A man was kicked in the head in a shocking Earl’s Court Tube attack, after a group surrounded him on a District Line train and then followed him off at the west London station to assault him a second time.
British Transport Police have released CCTV images of people they want to speak to in connection with the violent incident, which happened at around 6.45pm on Friday, August 7.
The attack began while the victim was travelling on a District Line service in west London. Police said a group surrounded the man on board the train before launching an assault in which he was kicked in the head.
The victim then got off at Earl’s Court Underground station — but the ordeal did not end there. Officers said the group followed him off the train and the assault continued at the ticket barriers inside the station.
Detectives are now asking anyone who recognises the individuals shown in the CCTV images to come forward. The pictures show a number of people officers wish to speak to as part of their investigation.
Officers are keen to hear from anyone who was travelling on the service or inside the station at the time and saw what happened.
CCTV appeal: how to contact British Transport Police
Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 628 of August 7.
Information can also be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police say even the smallest detail could help, and have encouraged passengers who were on the District Line or inside Earl’s Court station at around 6.45pm that evening to check any photos or footage they may have taken.
British Transport Police have previously issued similar CCTV appeals over violent incidents on the network, including an appeal after a serious assault at Liverpool Street station and a CCTV appeal after a man was punched in the face at Hackney Downs station.
What to do if you are attacked on the Tube
Being confronted or attacked on public transport can be terrifying. Transport safety advisers say personal safety should always come first: if it is safe to do so, move away from the danger — for example by changing carriages at the next station or moving towards other passengers and members of staff.
Every London Underground station has help points that connect directly to control rooms, and station staff can be alerted to an incident in progress. On board a train, the passenger alarm can be used to alert the driver.
British Transport Police can also be contacted discreetly by text on 61016, a service designed so passengers can report crime without drawing attention to themselves. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Officers encourage witnesses to come forward after an attack. Noting down descriptions, times and locations as soon as possible — and keeping any photos or video — can prove vital to an investigation.
Assaults on the Tube are rising
The Earl’s Court Tube attack comes amid growing concern about violence on the Underground. More than 5,500 assaults were recorded on the Tube in a single year, a rise of around 20 per cent, according to official figures — a trend that has intensified the debate about passenger safety on the network.
The figures have prompted renewed calls for more visible policing at stations and on services across the capital.
Earl’s Court: a busy west London interchange
Earl’s Court is one of west London’s busiest Underground stations, served by the District and Piccadilly lines in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The station is a major interchange where the District line branches west towards Richmond and Ealing Broadway, handling thousands of passengers every day — particularly during the evening rush hour, when the barriers area is at its busiest.
Anyone who was at Earl’s Court station at around 6.45pm on Friday, August 7, and witnessed either attack is asked to contact British Transport Police.
