Teenager charged with attempted murder after man stabbed in 'train knife attack'

29 March 2024 , 10:11

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Police outside Beckenham station (Image: UKNIP)

A teenager has been charged with attempted murder following a horrific knife attack aboard a train.

Rakeem Thomas, 19, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in relation to a stabbing on a train at Beckenham Junction, south London, on Wednesday, British Transport Police said.

Thomas is set to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates court. He has since been remanded into custody, according to police.

Services between Shortlands and Victoria via Herne Hill were suspended on Wednesday amid a large police response. Police said one man was left seriously injured with stab wounds following the alleged assault.

At the time, the BTP released a tweet saying: "Officers are carrying out extensive enquiries to trace the suspect for a stabbing at Beckenham Junction. You will see an enhanced police presence across stations in the area throughout the night and into tomorrow. We do not believe there is any risk to the wider public."

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The defendant has been remanded into custody until his court appearance at Wimbledon Magistrates (UKNIP)

Witnesses were also asked to come forward. An earlier statement from the British Transport Police read: "Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was seriously injured at Beckenham Junction today [Wednesday]. At around 3.56pm today (27 March), we received reports of two men fighting while entering a train at Shortlands (railway station). A man sustained serious injures consistent with being stabbed.

Detectives were appealing for witnesses to come forward (UKNIP)

"Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service and the London Ambulance Service, and the victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Enquiries are ongoing and there have been no arrests so far. British Transport Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 397 of 27/03/2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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Ryan Fahey