Dating app users are being warned to take precautions after a series of attacks on Perth men who have been lured to meetings and assaulted.
WA police said they were investigating incidents in which men had agreed to meet someone they connected with on a dating app, and then been assaulted by several males while being subjected to homophobic slurs.
Detective Inspector Matt Froude said there was no place for this kind of targeted violence in the community.
"Anyone who has been engaging in this kind of behaviour should be expecting WA Police officers to come through their door," he said.
"While incidents of this nature are rare, we treat them with the utmost seriousness and we encourage victims to come forward so we can investigate."
In some instances, the victim's car has been damaged as they tried to flee the attackers.
Some of the assaults had been filmed and posted to social media.
Several investigations were underway.
Detective Inspector Froude said everyone had a right to meet new people and start a relationship, but he urged dating app users to arrange meetings in public, well-lit places with plenty of people around.
"Let your family and friends know where you are going and who you are arranging to meet," he said.
"Some of these apps have built in safety features that allow you to share your live location with trusted contacts for added security during meet-ups."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online via www.crimestopperswa.com.au.