London 24
November 5, 2014
A cannabis-smoking thug held a knife against a train passenger’s face after he was asked to extinguish his spliff.
The incident happened at around 12pm on Friday on a Crystal Palace to Dalston Junction service.
During the vicious assault, the victim was also punched and almost had his shoes and laptop stolen.
Police have issued CCTV of a man they want to talk to in connection with the attack.
Det Con Denis Mahoney said: “The 20-year-old victim boarded at Crystal Palace, and was approached by a man who engaged him in conversation.
“The victim noticed the man smoking cannabis and asked him to stop, at which point the man withdrew a knife concealed in his sleeve and held it against the victim’s face.
“The man asked the victim to remove his shoes and told him he wanted his laptop and mobile phone.”
The victim tried to leave the train but the man punched him in the face, before getting off at Sydenham station.
Det Con Mahoney added: “Fortunately, the victim did not sustain any serious injuries, but his was a frightening assault which, given that the individual was carrying a knife, is particularly concerning.
Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B4 of 21/10/2014.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.