Police searching for knifewoman who lay in wait to attack man getting off train
British Transport Police ask for public’s help in identifying assailant
A woman who lay in wait on a train platform before attacking a passenger with a knife is being sought by the police.
Detectives from the British Transport Police have released CCTV images of a woman they wish to contact in connection with the assault in September.
Just before 9.30pm on Sunday 20 September a woman was seen waiting on the platform at Langdon Park DLR station, in Poplar, East London.
As passengers alighted from the train, the woman ran down the platform and hit the man, before pulling a large knife out which she had concealed in her clothing.
Although she lunged at the victim with the knife, he managed to elude the blow and the pair then struggled for control of the blade before it fell to the floor.
The victim then grabbed the knife and ran out of the station, pursued by his assailant, British Transport Police said.
“This was a violent attack at a prominent public place,” said Detective Constable Hannah Ayling.
“Thankfully, it is not believed the victim sustained any serious injuries, but this could easily have not been the case.”
The woman who is being sought by officers is a white woman with brown hair and was wearing a dark coloured top, a short, light grey skirt, and black shoes.
“We’re encouraging anyone who recognises the person in the images, or anyone that was at the station that evening, to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2000064928.
Alternatively, witnesses can call Crimestoppers if they wish to remain anonymous by ringing 0800 555 111.