Police appeal after man head-butts member of staff at Thornton Heath station
POLICE are searching for a man who head-butted a member of staff at Thornton Heath railway station.
The man became aggressive when told he could not use his Freedom Pass before 9.30am.
After being advised to buy a ticket he returned to the barrier and pushed the member of staff and head-butted him before leaving the station.
CCTV images have been released of the man detectives want to idenify in connection with the incident, which happened at around 9.20am on June 21.
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British Transport Police (BTP) officers have returned to the station and questioned witnesses since the attack but have not been able to identify him.
Detective Sergeant Robert Stokoe, based at Croydon BTP station in Addiscombe Road, said: "The member of staff was attacked for simply doing his job and pointing out, quite rightly, that the man couldn't use his Freedom Pass before 9.30am.
"Fortunately the victim was unhurt but we are keen to find this man and question him about this violent and unprovoked attack.
"We are hoping that someone may recognise the man, who we believe was trying to get to Selhurst or Croydon, and tell us who he is."
A spokesman for Southern said: "This attack was entirely unprovoked and is another example of brutish and violent behaviour which is totally unacceptable.
"We urge anyone who recognises this man to come forward and identify him to BTP."
If you have any information call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference B6/LSA of 29/06/2012.
Comments
by swsquires1
Monday, July 02 2012, 4:22PM
“Is being an idiot and a yob deemed a disability now then?
You are correct RecFan, a freedom pass is only for those over 60 of with a disability (strict criteria listed on the website). I should imagine that the staff member saw that he looked like trouble so only pointed out that 'his' pass could not be used before 9.30am in the hope of avoiding confrontation.
Do all passes not require photo id? That way it would be clear that he wasn't 68 year old Doris from Streatham.”
by The3rd
Monday, July 02 2012, 1:19PM
“He is obviously a nutter. I hope the police catch him soon and the paper names and shame him.”
by Dracia
Monday, July 02 2012, 1:01PM
“Yeah, don't think he needs a freedom pass, he stole it from a pensioner quite obviously. Either that or he is disabled and shouldn't be allowed out without a carer if his disability causes him to attack people.”
by GeorgeOB
Monday, July 02 2012, 11:31AM
“How does this idiot have a freedom pass take it away and force him to pay a fine plus humiliate him publically by making him apologise for headbutting the poor worker.
GarethD2011 I see the pics now thanks.”
by RecFan
Monday, July 02 2012, 10:52AM
“A Freedom Pass? Isn't that for people over 60 and those younger with disabilities? He obviously isn't disabled if he can muster up the energy to headbutt somebody.
Oyster Cards track usage and journeys - do Freedom Passes not do similar? Presumably Freedom passes have to be registered so it shouldn't be difficult to trace.
Hope the police catch this muppet soon”
by GarethD2011
Monday, July 02 2012, 10:30AM
“Two pictures were uploaded with the original story and I can see them. Is it an issue with your browser?”
by GeorgeOB
Monday, July 02 2012, 9:56AM
“So advertiser, where is the picture if you want us to help?”