British Transport Police have launched an urgent appeal to identify three teenage girls suspected of carrying out two separate assaults on elderly passengers aboard Southeastern trains in South London.

The shocking incidents occurred on the evening of Tuesday, 18 March, beginning at approximately 9.30pm. In the first attack, an elderly man travelling on a train from London Bridge to Woolwich Arsenal was reportedly assaulted without provocation by a group of three girls. Officers described the attack as both “vicious and cowardly.”

Just over an hour later, at around 11pm, a second incident took place on a separate train from London Bridge to Erith. This time, an elderly woman became the target. One of the teenage girls allegedly approached and attacked the woman. When another female passenger attempted to intervene, the attacker turned on her as well, physically assaulting the Good Samaritan.

British Transport Police believe the same group of girls is responsible for both assaults and have released CCTV images of the suspects in hopes that the public can assist in identifying them.

“These were appalling attacks on vulnerable individuals who were simply going about their journeys,” a spokesperson for the force said. “We will not tolerate this kind of behaviour on our rail network and urge anyone who recognises the girls in these images to come forward.”

No information has been released regarding the extent of injuries sustained by the victims, but both incidents have left passengers shaken and the wider community outraged.

Social media users have responded with fury, with one X user writing: “Absolutely disgraceful behaviour—hope these girls are found and brought to justice.” Others have called for increased patrols on late-night train services.

? Appeal for Information

Anyone who recognises the individuals in the CCTV images or has information that may assist the investigation is urged to contact British Transport Police by:

• Texting 61016
• Calling 0800 40 50 40
• Quoting reference 770 of 18 March

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

British Transport Police continue to investigate and are working closely with Southeastern rail to review additional CCTV footage and trace the suspects’ movements across the network.