OFFICERS from British Transport Police (BTP) are appealing for information after a violent attack at South Ockendon station.
Shortly after 12.40am on Sunday, 22 May a man left a train service where he was travelling towards Barking with a group of up to nine other men.
He then approached the five victims who were waiting on the platform where he held one of his hands behind his back. After a brief dialogue with them, the man then removed his hand from behind his back exposing a bottle. He then squirted an unknown liquid over the victims.
The man then re-joined the group on the 23:44 Southend to Barking train service.
Following the incident, five victims were treated with injuries consistent with substance burns. Their injuries are as follows:
• Victim 1 (17): Significant burns to eyes, described as potentially life changing.
• Victim 2 (17): Burns to mouth and tongue, considered potentially life changing
• Victim 3 (17): Minor burns to face, not considered life threatening/changing
• Victim 4 (16): Minor burns to face, not considered life threatening/changing
• Victim 5 (18): Minor burns to hand, not considered life threatening/changing
All the victims have since been discharged from hospital.
As part of our enquiries, detectives are releasing CCTV images of a man they’d like to speak with in connection with the assault.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Gail McKemmie said: "This was a particularly vicious and alarming assault which has left some of the victims with potentially life changing injuries. This was an unprovoked and violent incident and it essential that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
"Although our investigation is in its early stages, it would appear that this was a random and isolated incident.
"If you think you recognise the man in the CCTV image, I’d urge you to get in touch as we think he has vital information that could assist this investigation."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016 quoting reference 312 of 24/05/2016. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
