Chelmsford: Man robbed on train (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Chelmsford: Man robbed on train

9:10am Thursday 3rd January 2013 in Local News

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are appealing for information after a man was punched to the floor and robbed of his iPhone whilst travelling on a train between London and Essex.

The incident took place between Thursday, 13 and Friday, 14 December as the victim, a 35-year-old man from Chelmsford was travelling home from an evening out.

Although the victim is unsure which service the incident took place on, investigators believe the violence used by the men would spark witnesses to come forward.

Detective Constable David Bishop, the investigating officer, said: “The victim originally boarded a train at Liverpool Street station around 11pm. He changed services at Brentwood and Shenfield before heading towards Chelmsford.

“At some point, two men approached the victim when one of them suddenly punched him in the head causing bruises and swelling to his forehead and right eye. They then went through his pockets before stealing his iPhone, cash and bank cards.”

Officers are reviewing hours of CCTV from stations and trains travelling between the stations in the area and are urging anyone who approached the victim and witnessed the assault to come forward.

DC Bishop added: “This was an unprovoked attack on a victim who was simply making his way home from an evening out with friends. He had his possessions stolen from his just weeks before Christmas and was left shaken and injured. If you have any information, please come forward and help detectives in this investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident number B6/LNA of 31/12/2012. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.