Attack on train last night

[racheps]

Just wondering if anyone else has ever tried to use the emergency handle on a train when someone has just been violently attacked, only for the driver to ignore it and continue driving?
This happened last night on the 23:00 from London Bridge to Dartford, as the train pulled in at New Cross. The victim ended up with what looked like a broken nose, but took a very heavy kick to the side of the head and could easily have been left with concussion. It happened on a packed train, in front of loads of witnesses. Luckily an off-duty policeman and 2 St John Ambulance people happened to be in the carriage, so they managed to give the guy some help whilst the oblivious driver pulled out of the station and continued on his journey ! I have complained to South Eastern Rail about this, as I can't see the point in have emergency handles if they don't work and/or the driver ignores them!

[Natalia]

Oh my god, that is terrible! And how lucky for the injured person that there was a policeman and 1st aiders on the train. Very worrying indeed that the driver did not stop or at least try to investigate what was going on. I hope everyone in that carriage will complain.

[Helena]

Did the policeman catch the attacker?

Yes, I hope everyone in the carriage will complain too. What's the point in having this utility if it doesn't work?

[racheps]

No, he jumped off at New Cross as the doors were closing, and the policeman was left in the carriage. Some people got off the train at Lewisham to give statements, and other people on the train got angry that we'd bothered to stop so long for an incident which (to them) was a common occurrence! I doubt they'd have that attitude if it was a family member who'd just been brutally attacked!

I guess train drivers get a lot of alarms being pulled by drunks, and pay no attention anymore....It's a bit of a cry wolf scenario.

[hamblemary]

There are probably few stations outside the West End with more CCTV coverage than New Cross. The police are probably looking at blurry footage of the back of the culprit's head as we speak.

[racheps]

I have been assured that every train carriage has a cctv camera.....but if they work as well as the alarms do I doubt the'll catch the guy!

[Johnslp]

Hi there,

Sorry to bother you but I wondered if I could possibly have a quick chat with you and follow this one up a little further? Sounds worth investigating.

John Hugill
Reporter
South London Press
020 8710 6457

[racheps]

Hello

I tried to give you a call yesterday but it just went to voicemail.

I emailed a complaint to Southeastern Railways regarding the driver ignoring the emergency alarm, but I haven't received a reply or even acknowledgment of my email.

Rachel