- Police have arrested a teen in connection with a stabbing on board a train
- British Transport Police officers recover a knife following south London incident
- Shocking video footage shows a man in dark clothing holding a large blade
Police have arrested a teenager, 19, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after horror video showed a man being stabbed on a train.
The British Transport Police (BTP) says a knife was also recovered after the suspect was detained following the incident onboard a Southeastern train between Beckenham Junction and Shortlands stations shortly before 4pm on Wednesday.
A man was taken to hospital and is in a critical but stable condition, the force said, while his family is being supported by specialist officers.
Terrifying footage shared on social media appeared to show a man wielding a large knife on board a Southeastern train shortly before 4pm.
The man, dressed in a black hooded jacket, black trousers and a medical-style face covering, could be seen with the large blade as shocked onlookers could be heard telling him to stop as they dialled 999.
Video footage shared on social media showed a man appearing to stand over another man on a moving train holding a large knife
The alleged attacker was then seen walking along the street with a large blade in his hand as he fled the scene
The scene at Beckenham Junction station following reports of a stabbing on Wednesday afternoon. Police say they have arrested a 19-year-old on suspicion of attempted murder
One passenger can be heard screaming ‘f****** stop it now’ before calling police to report the incident.
The witness then says: ‘I’m on the train to Beckenham Junction and this man’s stabbing someone on the train.’
Another image was later shared of a man in dark clothing holding a large knife, his face partially obscured by a medical face covering, leaving the station.
The BTP said in a statement: ‘A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an investigation into a stabbing on board a train towards Beckenham junction station. A knife has also been recovered.
‘Brtish Transport Police attended, alongside London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police and a man in his 20s was taken to hospital.’
Superintendent Darren Malpas of the BTP said of the arrest: ‘We understand the concerns of the public following this incident and our detectives have been working tirelessly to investigate.
‘I hope this arrest will bring some reassurance to those on the rail network. High-visibility patrols will continue in the area and across the network as a visible reassurance to the travelling public.
‘Any witnesses who are yet to get in touch are urged to do so by calling 0800 405040 or texting 61016 quoting reference 397 of 27 March.’
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said of the attack on Wednesday: ‘We were called today at 3.58pm to reports of an incident at Beckenham Junction Station.
‘We sent resources to the scene including ambulance crews, an incident response officer and London’s air ambulance.
‘We treated a man at the scene before taking him to a London major trauma centre.’
More to follow.
