Pitsea: Woman Attacked On Train

26 January 2012, 11:04 | Updated: 26 January 2012, 11:33

CCTV images have been released of a group of men British Transport Police after a woman was assaulted at Pitsea rail station.

The incident took place on New Year's Day but the details have only today (Thursday January 26th) been released.
 
PC Paul Collis, the investigating officer said: "Shortly before 3am the victim was onboard a c2c service, travelling from Fenchurch Street bound for Southend, in the company of her partner, her young daughter and her elderly mother.

"Throughout the journey the victim noticed a group of male youths behaving rowdily and anti-socially.

"The service was relatively busy and so the victim and her partner asked the group to calm down a bit and respect the other passengers on the service.

"Almost immediately the group turned on her, shouting abuse at her until the train arrived at Pitsea where the majority of the group left the service.

"Suddenly, one of the youths returned to the train, approached the woman and punched her in the face, knocking her unconscious. Coming to her defence, her partner approached the youth, at which point he was assaulted by the rest of the group and sustained a broken finger and a cut to his ear."

Police were called and one man was arrested close to the scene. He has been bailed pending further police enquiries and is due to return on Sunday February 5th.

Investigators have now released images of five other men they would like to identify and talk to in connection with the incident.

PC Collis added: "This was a violent and unprovoked attack on a defenceless woman in the presence of her mother and daughter.

"So violent in fact that one punch knocked the victim over and left her lying unconscious on the train carriage floor.

"We've so far been able to make one arrest, but I am now appealing for the public’s help to identify the other men in the images – if you recognise them, or have any information, I urge you to come forward."

Anyone with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B7/LNA of 04/12/2012. Or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.