Thug attacks Tube passenger and is chased along platform by woman
A MAN attacks a Tube passenger and then is chased by a woman as he flees the scene.
The incident happens after the train comes to a stop at Upton Park about 3.40pm on Monday. A white man approaches a commuter of Asian appearance, seeming to say something to him before suddenly striking him with his fist.
The suspect, bald and wearing a black hooded jacket, then flees the scene but a woman next to the victim leaps from her seat, dropping her belongings to the floor, and pursues the thug down the platform shouting at him to stop.
The attack, which was filmed and shared on social media, is now being investigated by British Transport Police, who confirmed a man had been arrested.
In a statement, the force said: “We are investigating an assault after a video was brought to our attention.
“A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning ABH and using threatening, abusive words, behaviour or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. He has been bailed until 14 November.”
A spokesman added that inquiries are continuing into whether the attack was racially motivated.
Miqdaad Versi, assistant secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, was among those who called for authorities to take action following the incident, which he described as “despicable.” Another called the attacker’s behaviour “disgusting”.
Recent figures showed a dramatic rise in racist and religious hate crimes in London and across the UK after the Brexit vote.
The Home Office revealed that nearly 5,500 racially or religiously motivated offences were reported to police in the month after the EU referendum.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact BTP on 0800405040 quoting reference 554 18/10/16.
If you were involved in the incident contact our news desk on 0203 615 2500 or news@standard. co.uk