Were You The Woman Who Witnessed Train Attack?
Fresh appeal after man's death
Police investigating the death of a man after an attack on a train between Raynes Park and Wimbledon have issued an appeal for a woman witness to come forward.
They have released a CCTV image of a woman who could have crucial information about the assault on Warsame Warsame, known as 'Sammy' on Saturday March 2.
The attack took place on the 12.24pm Hampton Court to Waterloo train as the service travelled between Raynes Park and Wimbledon stations.
Warsame (left) was found unconscious later that day on another train, the 1.16pm London Waterloo to Chessington service, and died at St George's Hospital on March 4.
Following the assault, detectives from British Transport Police have carried out a number of enquiries to establish the 24-year-old's final movements, including viewing CCTV on the train, at the station and from the surrounding area.
Detective Superintendent Gary Richardson, senior investigating officer, said: "After an altercation broke out between Warsame and another man, a woman on the train stepped in to challenge the man and immediately informed a member of staff. From viewing CCTV, we know she boarded the train at Surbiton station and left at Wimbledon.
"I must stress that this woman is innocent and she is not wanted in connection with this assault. She was on the train at the time and helped alert staff, who later informed police, and we simply want to find out what, if anything, she might know about Warsame’s death.
"Our thoughts remain very much with Warsame’s family at this acutely difficult and sad time for them, and we will do all we can to try and answer the many questions they have about the circumstances leading to his death.
"We're continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Do you know the woman? Are you the woman pictured? If so, we’d like to hear from you."
A 24-year-old man from Wallington, Sutton, was arrested on March 16, in connection with the incident. He is due to return on police bail on April 22.
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting B5/LSA of 04/12/12. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
March 26, 2013