Two police officers were hospitalised after a suspected alkaline chemical was released at Surbiton railway station on Friday, November 29, 2024. British Transport Police (BTP) arrested two boys, aged 14 and 16, on suspicion of possessing a corrosive substance in public and plotting grievous bodily harm.
The incident occurred around 4:20pm when BTP officers spotted two suspicious youths at the station. Upon approach, a corrosive liquid was unleashed, causing injuries to two officers severe enough to require hospital treatment. Seven other officers, including two from the Metropolitan Police, received on-site treatment from paramedics. Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening, and all treated officers have since been discharged.
The 16-year-old suspect was also taken to hospital as a precaution. Both teenagers remain in custody as investigations continue.
The London Fire Brigade was called to secure the area, and Surbiton station was temporarily closed. South Western Railway services bypassed the station for several hours during the busy evening rush hour. Services resumed by 7pm, but the disruption caused significant inconvenience to commuters.
A British Transport Police spokesperson said, “Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, and enquiries are ongoing.”
This attack has raised concerns over safety on UK trains. Violent assaults on women aboard trains have more than doubled since 2021, with 11,357 crimes reported in 2023 compared to 7,561 in 2021. Sexual offences also increased by 10% during this period.
The BTP commented, “This is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face as they work to keep the railway safe.”
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact British Transport Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
Originally published by UKNIP.
