A fifth suspect has been arrested in connection with a homophobic attack on two women on a bus in Camden, north London, Scotland Yard said.

Melania Geymonat, 28, and her girlfriend Chris were on the upper deck of a double-decker night bus when they were attacked by a gang when they refused to kiss.

Scotland Yard said four men aged between 15 and 18 were arrested on suspicion of robbery and aggravated GBH on Friday.

The boys and one man, aged between 15 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and aggravated GBH after the attack on May 30.

The women were left bloodied and taken to hospital after allegedly being punched several times, having coins thrown at them, and verbally abused. They have since been discharged.

A phone and bag were also stolen during the assault which happened at around 2:30am after the two women, both in their 20s, boarded the bus in West Hampstead.

Detective Superintendent Andy Cox said: “This was a disgusting attack on two women who appear to have been picked out and targeted by a group of youths. The suspects have made a number of homophobic comments towards the couple before throwing coins at them.

“When the women tried to reason with the group, the attack escalated to an assault.

“CCTV footage from the attack is being reviewed by detectives. We continue to appeal for information from the public, particularly those who were present on the bus before or after the attack to come forward and tell police what they saw.

“A number of active enquires are in hand to trace other individuals suspected to have been involved in the incident. Lots of people will understandably be outraged by this attack.

“Our efforts to trace all the suspects involved and bring them in for questioning will be relentless.”

He added extra officers in plain clothes and uniform will be out on patrol over the weekend.

A Scotland Yard statement said: “Four males aged between 15-18 have been arrested today, Friday, 7 June on suspicion of robbery and aggravated GBH. They have been taken to separate London police stations for questioning.

“Police continue to appeal for witnesses and information after the women were assaulted and robbed on a route N31 bus in Camden.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD737/30May.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.