Young Aussie Rugby Player Died At Wandsworth Road Railway Station


British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information

Twenty one year old Dan Robinson, who played for  Gordons Rugby Club in Sydney, Australia, died after stumbling on the tracks and coming into contact with the electrified third rail at Wandsworth Road station around 5.15am on Sunday, 24 January.

Detectives have launched a public appeal for information to help piece together Dan’s movements prior to his death, which came just three days after his arrival in London.

Detective Sergeant Sam Blackburn said:
“It isn’t clear why Dan was in the area near Wandsworth Road station because he was staying at a hotel in Russell Square and had only just arrived in London.

“From speaking to friends who were with Dan on Saturday, 23 January, we know he was at the Walkabout in Temple before leaving alone around 1.18am. We then have a time gap of around three hours before Dan is captured on CCTV climbing over a fence and entering the station at 4.41am.”

As part of the investigation officers have handed out photos of Dan at the Walkabout Bar in Temple and conducted house-to-house enquiries in the area surrounding Wandsworth Road station in a bid for information.

Dan, a former academy rugby player, grew up near Dubbo, New South Wales, before moving to Sydney to pursue his sporting career. He had travelled to London to meet with brother Beau, also a rugby player, who now plays in Italy.

DS Blackburn added:
“It’s crucial that anyone who saw Dan comes forward because it will help us build a picture of his whereabouts between leaving the bar and entering the station. It may be that he went back to somebody’s house, or travelled to the area to continue drinking, possibly by taxi. We want to hear from anyone who saw Dan, particularly any taxi drivers who may have taken him from Temple to the area near Wandsworth Road station.”

Anyone with any information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting B4 of 28/01/10.

February 1, 2010