British Transport Police urge public help in tracing suspects involved in two linked incidents on Southeastern services
British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a CCTV appeal after two shocking assaults took place on London trains within hours of each other, believed to have been carried out by the same group of teenage girls.
The incidents occurred on the evening of Tuesday, 18 March, on separate Southeastern train services departing from London Bridge station. Police are appealing for the public’s assistance in identifying three female suspects who allegedly assaulted a male passenger and later a pensioner, in what officers believe are connected attacks.
The first alleged assault took place at approximately 9:30pm. A man was travelling on a train bound for Woolwich Arsenal in Greenwich when he was approached and struck by three girls. The circumstances surrounding the altercation remain under investigation, but police confirmed the victim sustained minor injuries and was left shaken by the unprovoked incident.
Roughly an hour and a half later, at around 11:00pm, a second incident unfolded. A female pensioner was travelling on a Southeastern service from London Bridge to Erith in Bexley when one of the same suspects reportedly assaulted her without warning. A fellow passenger who attempted to intervene was also confronted and faced a violent response as the teenage girl allegedly tried to fight her too.
British Transport Police say they are treating the two attacks as connected and have released CCTV stills of the girls they believe may hold key information.
In the footage, one of the suspects is seen wearing an “eskimo-style” parka jacket with curly hair. Another is described as having straightened hair and dressed in a grey tracksuit. The third suspect is seen wearing a black designer coat, with light brunette hair and dark lipstick.
A spokesperson for BTP said: “We are releasing images of three girls we wish to speak to in connection with two assaults on Southeastern trains between London Bridge and destinations in south-east London. These are concerning incidents involving unprovoked violence towards both a male passenger and a vulnerable elderly woman.
“We believe the same individuals may be responsible for both attacks, and we are appealing to anyone who may recognise them to come forward.”
The spokesperson continued: “This kind of behaviour is entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated on the rail network. We are working hard to identify those responsible, and we urge the public to assist us in bringing them to justice.”
More Read
Anyone who recognises the girls in the released images or has any information about the incidents is encouraged to contact British Transport Police. Witnesses can text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference number 770 of 18 March. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The assaults have sparked concern among passengers and local residents, with calls for increased patrols on late-night services and better protection for vulnerable travellers.
“It’s horrifying,” said one regular commuter at Erith station. “You should be able to get on a train at night without fearing for your safety, especially elderly people who are more at risk.”
Police have assured the public that uniformed and plain-clothed officers continue to patrol the rail network and are prioritising investigations into violent behaviour.
The BTP’s appeal comes amid a wider crackdown on anti-social behaviour across the capital’s transport system, as part of efforts to ensure public transport remains a safe and secure way to travel for everyone.
