IMAGES have been released of two youths suspected of punching and threating to stab a teenager when he refused to hand over his mobile phone.
British Transport Police (BTP) are appealing for information after the 17-year-old was attacked by three teenagers on a train between Highams Park and Wood Street on Tuesday, June 21 at around 3.45pm.
The victim was travelling on the 3:40pm National Express East Anglia service from Chingford to London Liverpool Street when they boarded the train at Highams Park and sat near him.
They tried to strike up a conversation with him and block him from leaving his seat.
When he tried to move away, one member of the group threatened to stab him before suddenly punching him in the side of face.
But he managed to struggle free and get off the train at Wood Street and was followed for a short while by the group, who continued to make threats and demand he hand over the phone.
The first suspect was 5ft 9in, black with light patches on his face and wore a black baseball cap, big black puffa jacket and dark blue jeans.
The second was described as being of mixed race or turkish appearance, 5ft 8in, with thick black medium length hair and wore a grey Ralph Lauren hooded top with a gold logo and blue jeans.
The third teenager, who was not captured on CCTV, had a similar appearance as the second and wore a yellow or beige baseball cap.
Detective Constable Helen Rea, added: “As part of our enquiries into this incident we’ve followed up a number of leads, including circulating the images of these youths on police intelligence systems to try and get their names, but to no avail so far.
“I am now asking for help from members of the public to identify those responsible for this incident.
“We are also particularly keen to speak to anyone who was travelling on this service at the time, or who was waiting on platform one at Wood Street around 3.45pm.
“This was a completely unprovoked assault on the victim, which understandably left him feeling intimidated, shaken up and distressed.
“I would urge anyone who recognises any of the youths pictured in the CCTV images, or who has any information that could assist my investigation, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference B2/LNA of 25/07/2011 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel