British Transport Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to question after a railway worker was squirted in the face with a chemical substance hidden inside a sports drink bottle at a London station.
The victim suffered chemical burns and temporary loss of vision following the attack at Blackfriars Station on 17 May last year. He was rushed to hospital after the assault, which police described as “horrific.”
The incident began at approximately 6pm when four men jumped off a train from Sevenoaks and barged straight through the ticket barriers without paying. The railway worker, who was on duty at the barriers, challenged one of the fare dodgers as the other three ran from the station.
The confrontation rapidly escalated when the man who had been stopped became abusive towards the member of staff. His three companions then suddenly returned to the barriers, with one pulling a Lucozade Sport bottle from inside his jacket.
The individual squirted an unknown liquid directly into the victim’s face before all four men fled the station. The worker immediately felt a burning sensation in his eyes and lost his vision, prompting emergency services to transport him to a nearby hospital.
Doctors confirmed the railway employee had sustained chemical burns to his face and eyes as a result of the substance sprayed from the bottle. The victim required medical treatment for the injuries inflicted during the attack.
Detective Constable Victoria Callaghan stated: “We believe the man in the CCTV footage could assist our ongoing enquiries into this horrific attack on a man simply doing his job. We urge anyone who recognises him to come forward.”
The British Transport Police investigation continues nearly nine months after the assault took place. Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone who recognises the man shown in the CCTV footage to contact them.
The force emphasized the victim was simply carrying out his duties when he was targeted by the group. Challenging fare evasion forms part of routine responsibilities for station staff working at ticket barriers across the rail network.
Members of the public with information about the incident can text 61016 quoting reference 529 of 17 May 2025. Information can also be passed to officers by calling 0800 40 50 40, with an anonymous option available through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
British Transport Police continue to review CCTV footage from the station and surrounding areas as part of their investigation into identifying all four individuals involved in the attack. The release of images represents an escalation in efforts to trace those responsible for the chemical assault.
The case remains active with detectives pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to locate the suspects who left the scene following the attack on the railway worker.
