Violent Attack on Waterloo-Wandsworth-Putney Train
CCTV released as Police appeal for witnesses
British Transport Police are appealing for information after a man was violently attacked and had his wallet and phone stolen on a train between London Waterloo to Putney.
Officers have today issued two images of a man they believe was on the train at the time of the incident, on Saturday 13 April, and have urged anyone who recognises him to contact police.
Detective Constable Gary Bellinger, investigating, explained: “The victim, a 22-year-old man from London, was returning home after a night out in central London when the incident took place at 5.45am.
“He was sitting in the front carriage of the train when a man he did not know approached him and punched him on the left side of the face, causing him a broken cheekbone as well as bruising and swelling to his face.”
"The victim’s Blackberry phone, worth £300, was stolen during the assault on the 5.33am London Waterloo to Putney service, as well as his wallet, containing ID, credit cards and a small amount of cash.
"DC Bellinger added: “This was an unprovoked, nasty attack on a member of the public simply trying to make his way home.
“While violent robberies of this nature are very rare on the rail network, BTP treat them with the utmost seriousness where they do occur, and we are using every available resource to identify the perpetrator and bring him to justice.
“These are very clear stills of a man we believe will have information about this offence, and it is imperative that he, or anyone who knows him, gets in touch.”
It is believed the suspect left the train at Putney where he went to McDonalds and used the victim’s credit card to purchase food. He then went to a branch of McDonalds in Fulham where he again used the victim’s card to pay for food.
As a result of the attack, the victim suffered a broken cheekbone and required extensive hospital treatment.
Anyone with information is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, text 61016 call or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In all calls please quote log B7/LSA of 03/05/13.
May 14, 2013