British Transport Police (BTP) have released an image of a man they want to speak to after a passenger was robbed and assaulted on a Thameslink train. The incident occurred at around 4:30am on Friday, May 8, when the suspect boarded a London-bound train at St Albans station with a group of friends.
Antisocial behaviour escalates to theft
According to BTP, the man began acting in an antisocial manner towards other passengers before walking past the victim, turning back, and suddenly grabbing his mobile phone. The victim pursued the suspect and managed to retrieve the phone, but was assaulted during the confrontation.
The suspect then moved down the carriage and left the train at Cricklewood station. Police describe the man as white with brown hair, wearing a light blue t-shirt, a blue/grey jacket, and dark blue tracksuit bottoms.
Police appeal for information
A BTP spokesperson said: "Officers have released images of a man they would like to speak to following a robbery on a train in Hertfordshire. The incident happened at around 4:30am on Friday, May 8, when the man boarded a London-bound train at St Albans station with a group of friends. Once he was on board, he began acting in an antisocial manner towards other passengers. He walked past the victim before turning back and suddenly grabbing his phone from his hand and walking off. The victim got up and went after him and managed to retrieve his phone, but was assaulted by the man as he did so. The man then moved down the train before he left at Cricklewood."
Anyone who recognises the man is asked to text BTP on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 61 of 8 May. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
