Gang Who 'Gassed' Train Passengers Sought

The British Transport Police (BTP) has released CCTV stills of three teenagers they wish to identify in connection with an incident where train passengers were allegedly 'gassed'.

Passengers onboard the 15.52 Victoria to Orpington service were left gasping for breath after a noxious substance was sprayed into a crowded train carriage at Penge East station in south London on July 20.

Around 20 to 30 passengers suffered the effects of the gas - believed to be similar to pepper spray - with some reporting breathing difficulties and irritation to the eyes and throat.

BTP said that only one passenger required medical treatment, but stressed that the incident was a "very dangerous act", which caused discomfort and distress for many passengers.

The three teenagers - two white and a black youth on a bicycle - were captured on CCTV spraying a substance into the carriage.

BTP Detective Constable Vanessa Cottington said that CCTV footage shows the youths boarding the Victoria to Orpington train, which was was crowded with women, young children and elderly commuters on board.

"The three youths are then seen leaving the train at Penge East Station, and as the doors were closing one youth standing on the platform is captured on CCTV reaching his hand into the open window of the carriage.

"It is believed that he then sprayed a noxious substance similar to pepper spray into the carriage.

"The youths then made a gesture of drawing their hands across their throats in a cutting action which was directed towards passengers in the carriage.

"Police conducted a number of inquiries into this ongoing investigation but are now hopeful members of the public may be able to assist in identifying three youths captured in these CCTV stills," she said.

The first youth is described as white, 16-17 years of age, 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build. He had short shaved mousey-coloured hair and was wearing a light grey t-shirt, blue jeans and black trainers.

The second youth is also described as white and 16 or 17 years of age. He was 6ft tall and of slim build with mousey shaved hair. He was wearing a dark baggy t-shirt, blue jeans and black trainers and was carrying a dark-coloured shoulder bag.

The third youth is described as black, 15 or 16 years of age, with a skinny build and short black hair. He was wearing a dark-coloured tracksuit top and dark baseball cap and was riding a red mountain bike.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact British Transport Police on: 0800 405040 or the Witness Appeal Line on: 0207 391 5275.

(KMcA)