Appeal after man pushed onto live rail track last night ^ Portsmouth & Southsea

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the British Transport Police press release:

British Transport Police (BTP^▸ (British Transport Police)) detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was pushed onto live rail tracks at Portsmouth and Southsea rail station.

An investigation has been launched into the incident which took place around 11pm last night (Tuesday, 9 October).

Detective Constable Phil James, the investigating officer, is appealing for the public^s help in finding the man responsible:

^A 29-year-old man from Havant was standing on the platform with a friend when he was approached by the suspect. The suspect then suddenly punched the man in the face, in what we believe was an unprovoked attack. In a bid to calm the situation, a 46-year-old man from Chichester who was waiting on the platform saw the incident, stepped in to diffuse the fight. The suspect then suddenly pushed the man onto the rail tracks, causing him to narrowly miss the third live electric rail.^

The man who was pushed was then taken to hospital where he received stitches for a cut to his head.

Detectives are making local enquiries, including speaking with witnesses viewing CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision) from the station on police intelligence systems and looking at forensic opportunities.

The man is described to be of skinny build with dark scruffy hair, and about 5^10 in height. He is believed to be around 25-years-old and wearing a faded purple zipped-up hooded-top.

^I cannot emphasise how dangerous this assault was. The man, who bravely stepped in to calm a heated situation, came very close to the 750 volt live rail and was quite understandably left very shaken as a result,^ continued DC^▸ (Direct Current) James. ^The incident took place on a crowded platform so therefore I am certain that there are witnesses that will have information to assist our investigation. If you have any information about this attack, we want to hear from you.^

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B2/LSA of 10/10/12 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.