BRITISH Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for the public’s help to identify a man and woman following a knifepoint robbery on an Essex train.
Officers have released CCTV images of the pair after the incident on a train between East Tilbury and Tilbury Town stations on Wednesday, 19 November.
Detective Constable Sally Everritt, leading the investigation, said: “A 20-year-old man from Stanford Le Hope was travelling alone on the 10:42pm hours Stanford Le Hope to Liverpool Street service. As the train left East Tilbury, a man and woman walked into his carriage, which was almost empty.
“As the train arrived at Tilbury Town, the man walked up to the victim and placed a knife to his throat, demanding money. The robber and the woman fled the train at Tilbury Town with just £10 in cash.”
Officers have been pursuing several lines of enquiry, including viewing CCTV footage from on the train and at the station, leading to the release of images of the two people they would like to trace.
DC Everritt added: “I urgently want to speak to the man and woman pictured, as I believe they will be able to greatly assist the investigation. If you recognise them, please get in touch with BTP.
“The use of a knife and the fact that the victim appears to have been selected completely at random is very concerning. Violent crime will not be tolerated on the rail network and we are working hard to catch those responsible and bring them to justice before the courts.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference E-SUB/B4 of 12/12/14. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
