Police issue CCTV image after spate of knifepoint phone robberies on trains

British Transport Police have issued this CCTV image of a man they want to speak to about a series of mobile phone robberies.

Detectives were called after the first robbery at around 7.10pm on Tuesday April 9 when a 52-year-old man on a train from London Bridge was approached and asked the time by a man who then indicated he was carrying a knife and demanded his phone.

The victim handed it over before attempting to get it back but the man hit him in the head repeatedly before running off the stationary train.

The next day at around 3.10pm, a 72-year-old man was on a train on Platform 11 at London Bridge Station when he was approached by a man who snatched his phone.

When he tried to grab the phone back the man threatened to stab him before running off the train.

The third robbery, on Thursday April 11, happened at around 3.10pm when a 25-year-old woman was travelling from Honor Oak Park to Clapham Junction when she was approached by a man walking along the carriages.

He asked her for the time,  before demanding her phone and threatening to stab her. He also demanded she hand over her airpods and case before leaving the train at Crystal Palace.

Officers believe the three incidents are connected and the man in the CCTV image may have information that could help with their investigation.

Anyone who recognises them is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 504 of 11 April.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.