British Transport Police (BTP) have launched an investigation after a man was captured on CCTV shoving a child at the ticket barriers of Northfields Underground station in West London. Officers are now appealing for the young victim and his father to come forward, as well as any witnesses to the incident.
Incident details
The assault occurred at around 8pm on Monday, July 13, when a man followed a father and child to the gateline barriers before physically pushing the child. The suspect then fled the scene, leaving the victim and his father shaken but, according to reports, not physically injured.
BTP officers have released images of the suspect in a bid to trace him, but so far he has not been identified. The force is particularly keen to hear from the victim and his father, who have not yet come forward to report the incident formally.
Appeal for information
Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or recognises the man in the CCTV images to contact them. The investigation is ongoing, and officers are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness due to the vulnerability of the child.
“This was a distressing incident for a young child and his father, and we are determined to find the person responsible,” said a BTP spokesperson. “We would urge the victim and his father to come forward, as well as anyone who saw what happened, to help us with our enquiries.”
How to help
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 733 of 13 July. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The appeal comes as part of a wider effort by BTP to tackle antisocial behaviour and violence on the London Underground network, which has seen a rise in reported incidents in recent months.
