Driver's Terrifying Ordeal on Empty Heathrow Express
A train driver was left fearing for his life after a blood-stained trespasser forced his way into the cab of an empty Heathrow Express service in West London. The shocking incident occurred late on Saturday, November 8, near Southall railway station.
How the Unsettling Events Unfolded
The out-of-service Class 387 train, travelling from London Paddington to Reading, was held at a red signal by Southall East Junction at around 11.47pm. This stop was prompted by reports of a trespasser on the tracks. According to reports, the individual then made his way to the front of the train, activating passenger alarms, before managing to access the driver's cab.
The driver, understandably frightened by the sudden appearance of the blood-stained man, raised the alarm immediately with the Great Western Railway (GWR) Control team. This quick thinking allowed authorities to respond promptly to the threatening situation.
Police Response and Aftermath
The British Transport Police attended the scene and detained the man under the Mental Health Act. A spokesman confirmed the man was taken to hospital and remains there. A GWR spokesperson described the event as "unsettling" but confirmed it was quickly brought under control.
Emphasising that no passengers were on board at the time, the spokesperson confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched to understand the full circumstances of the incident. This event follows an unrelated knife attack on an LNER service, highlighting ongoing concerns about security on the UK's rail network.
