Victim of a Homophobic and Racist Hate Crime (England)

Hi all, just sharing my harrowing experience to show you that homophobia, racism, and (perceived) Islamophobia are still alive and well in England.

I was in a cafe restaurant with my two kids (adopted) (9F and 7M), as a treat after going for their haircut at a local barbershop. Felt that the staff were suspiciously watching me at the counter after I ordered (perhaps because of the way I was dressed or because my kids are white). I swear I could hear whispers of "Groomer" from the people sitting nearby.

Took my kids to the toilet and went inside the men's myself (we haven't been here before), then a random man approached me (middle-aged, white with greying hair + beard) and asked me if I'm a Muslim. I replied that it's none of his concern (I'm not, but it doesn't matter), to which he told me that he was an ex-police officer who investigated grooming gangs (of young girls being trafficked with sweets, money, and gifts) and asked me bluntly, "Would you have sex with a nine year-old?"

I was outraged by this comment and said something along the lines of "WTF!" before telling him that I was gay and they are my children. Then he sneered and said "That explains why you're taking little boys with you into the toilet." I punched him in the face and fled (as I was so angry to be experiencing this) then ran away and took my kids with me.

I told my husband this afterwards (omitting the punching-bigot-in-the-face part), to which he told me to report it to the police. Under pressure from my convincing hubby, I have reported it as a hate crime & they've asked me to see them tomorrow at the local station. Don't know what to do about it.

Advice & support?

Context: I live in Croydon, married to a wonderful husband, and I am a dad-of-two (35M), who happens to be gay and of South Asian origin.