CCTV Appeal After Rail Worker Suffers Chemical Burns at Blackfriars Station

Detectives are appealing for the public’s help as they continue investigating a serious assault on a member of rail staff at Blackfriars station. British Transport Police have released CCTV footage and still images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

The incident happened at around 6pm on 17 May 2025 while the victim was working on the gate line at the central London station. Four men had just arrived on a train from Sevenoaks and forced their way through the ticket barriers without paying.

Rail staff stopped one of the men as the others ran off. He then became verbally abusive towards the victim and other members of staff. Moments later, the three men returned to the barrier line, escalating the situation further.

During the confrontation, one of the men produced a Lucozade Sport bottle from his jacket and sprayed a clear liquid directly into the victim’s face. All four men then fled the station. The victim immediately experienced intense pain to his eyes and a loss of vision.

He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where doctors confirmed he had suffered chemical burns to his face and eyes.

BTP Detective Constable Victoria Callaghan said:

“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 text his name to 61016, quoting the reference 529 of 17 May 2025. Information can also be passed to us over the phone by calling 0800 40 50 40, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Image: British Transport Police