£1500 Reward After Baseball Bat Attack

A £1,500 reward for information is on offer after a member of railway catering staff was hit on the back of the head with a baseball bat as he finished work at Bournemouth rail station.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are asking witnesses to come forward with information into the incident which took place on Sunday, 22 August.

Detective Constable Mathew Bevan, the investigating officer, would like to speak with anyone who may have information about the incident, which happened at 11.52pm;

"The victim, a 45-year-old man from Bournemouth, was locking up a nearby business when he was approached from behind by a man who hit him on the back of the head with a baseball bat.

"He bravely tried to defend himself, but fell to the floor as he received further blows.

"The suspect was scared off by another member of rail staff, who heard the incident and went to investigate."

The victim received injuries to the back of his head and fractured fingers; he also suffered bruising to his back and a swollen wrist.

He was taken to hospital where he received treatment for his injuries, including gluing to the cut on his head.

DC Bevan continued;

"This was an unprovoked attack. We are not sure at this stage, but it may have been an attempted robbery, although nothing was taken.

"Officers are currently viewing CCTV in the area as well as speaking to witnesses to gather a full picture of what took place. I'd urge anyone with information contact police to help with our enquiries.

"BTP takes assault offences very seriously and I am now appealing for members of the public to come forward and assist with the police investigation."

A £1,500 reward for the successful arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Anyone with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B6/LSA of 2/06/2011. Or call the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.