CCTV images released after schoolgirls robbed at South Norwood tram stop

by Ross Lidbetter

ross.lidbetter@essnmedia.co.uk

CCTV images have been released after a 12-year-old schoolgirl was pulled to the ground by her hair and her friend's phone taken.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers have released images of two girls they would like to identify and talk to in connection with the incident at the Arena tram stop, in Albert Road, South Norwood.

PC Andy James, of Croydon BTP, said the victim, a 12-year-old from Croydon, was waiting for a tram at Sandilands tram stop around 3.30pm.

PC James said: "As a tram approached, the victim became aware of two youths, aged around 16, standing next to her, one of whom was trying to steal her phone from her blazer pocket.

"When the victim asked what the youth was doing she replied that she was only joking and went and stood with the other youth."

Later, when the victim and a friend left the tram at Arena, they were approached by the two youths.

One of them demanded the victim hand her phone over before grabbing her and wrenching her to the ground by her hair and threatening to punch her if she didn't comply.

When the victim's friend, also 12 and from Anerley, offered her phone in an attempt to stave off the attackers, one of the youths snatched it and the pair fled the scene.

PC James said: "This was a frightening and intimidating ordeal for the victims, who at only 12-years-old had absolutely no chance of defending themselves against this pair.

"We have made local enquiries into this incident and would like to identify and speak to the two youths pictured in the CCTV images.

"If you recognise either of them, please get in touch."

The incident happened on Wednesday March 31.

* Anyone with any information about the incident or who recognises either of the youths pictured in the CCTV images is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident B8 LSA of 22/07/10 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.