Police want to question after threatening knife incident on Southall train

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for information after a man was threatened with a knife on board a train between West Drayton and Southall.

Investigators have released CCTV images of a man they believe may have information about the incident, which took place on Thursday, 24 January.

PC David McNelis, the investigating officer, said: “The victim, a 22-year-old from the Hornsey area, was sat with a friend on a train around 9.10pm.

“As the train was approaching Southall, a man, who was sitting across the aisle from them, stood up and suddenly, unprovoked, held a 6inch blade to the victim’s face.

“The man then threatened the victim, suggestively asking him if he thought he would use it, before walking off.

“Fearing for their safety, the victim and his friend moved carriages, before leaving the train as it arrived into Paddington.”

Officers have carried out extensive enquiries including seizing CCTV from the train and station concourse and speaking to any witnesses.

CCTV of a man who was on board the train at the time, and who police believe has key information, has today been released.

PC McNelis added: “Unprovoked and threatening incidents like this are incredibly rare on the rail network. The victim was simply trying to make his way home when he was confronted with this violence.

“Investigators are doing all they can to identify the perpetrator and I’d encourage anyone who recognises the man pictured to come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B10/LNA of 13/03/2013. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

15th March 2013