Police checking CCTV after train disruption
Police are appealing for witnesses after a group of around seven men caused disorder on a train ahead of Wimbledon's match with Southend United.
The incident - which included a pregnant woman being pushed - took place on Tuesday March 12 around 6.20pm on a London to Southend train.
Sergeant Rocky Jassel, based at the Southend office of British Transport Police, said: "A group of around seven men boarded a Southend-bound train at Liverpool Street station.
"As the train left Stratford station, the group became considerably disruptive, shouting loud and abusive chants to other passengers on board.
"The group then turned their rant towards a pregnant lady, who tried to leave the train at Billericay station. As she squeezed past the group, one of the men pushed her in the back. Although she was not injured, the ordeal left her and many other passengers on board extremely uncomfortable."
Officers are continuing their enquiries into the incident, including seizing CCTV on board the train and at stations and speaking to witnesses in order to identify those responsible.
Sgt. Jassel said: "This must have been a very frightening experience for those on board the train and simply trying to make their way home from work.
"This kind of behaviour is very rare on the rail network, and, when it does occur, officers carry out an extensive investigation in order to bring those who think they can act in such an anti-social manner to justice."
The men are described as all white, aged between 15 and 19. One of the men officers are keen to speak to was described as of heavy build with strawberry blonde hair.
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background number B8/LNA of 19/03/2013. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
March 22, 2013