Disabled train passengers assaulted after refusing to give up their seats

17 December 2023 , 18:42

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One of the women British Transport Police want to speak to (Image: BTP)

Two disabled train passengers were assaulted and taken to hospital after they refused to give up their seats, the British Transport Police said.

The victims, who were travelling from Ramsgate in Kent to London St Pancras International on the 6.20pm train service on September 9, suffered injuries following the incident. On boarding the service at Ramsgate, it is reported one of the women parked a powered wheelchair in the designated bay area and then moved herself onto a seat.

The second woman parked her mobility scooter in the designated bay area opposite the wheelchair and remained seated on the scooter. When the train arrived at Margate railway station, at around 6.30pm, two women travelling together boarded the service which now only had standing room.

BTP also want to speak to this person (BTP)

The first victim, who was sitting in a passenger seat, was approached by one of the women and was asked to give up her seat, reports Kent Live. When she explained that she was unable to, she was assaulted, BTP said.

Shortly after the other woman approached the second victim, who was sitting on her mobility scooter, and assaulted her. The suspects left the service at around 7.45pm when the service arrived at Gravesend railway station.

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Both victims continued their journey to London, but due to injuries, were met by an ambulance and taken to hospital for treatment. BTP launched an investigation and released pictures of two women they wish to speak to.

BTP said in a statement: "Do you recognise these two women? Detectives investigating an assault on two disabled women travelling together on board a train in Kent have released images in connection. The incident took place on Saturday 9 September on the 6.20pm train service from Ramsgate railway station to London St Pancras International.

"On boarding the service at Ramsgate, it is reported one of the women parked a powered wheelchair in the designated bay area and then moved herself onto a seat. The second woman parked her mobility scooter in the designated bay area opposite the wheelchair and remained seated on the scooter.

"When the train arrived at Margate railway station, at around 6.30pm, two women travelling together boarded the service which now only had standing room. The first victim, who was sitting in a passenger seat, was approached by one of the women and was asked to give up her seat. When she explained that she was unable to, she was assaulted.

"Soon after the other woman approached the second victim, who was sitting on her mobility scooter, and assaulted her. Both women left the service at around 7.45pm when the service arrived at Gravesend railway station. Both victims continued their journey to London St Pancras, but due to injuries, were met by an ambulance and taken to hospital for treatment.

"Officers believe the two women in the images released may have information which could help their investigation." Anyone who recognises them, or have any information should contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 2300106371. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Chiara Fiorillo