Police hunt thug who glassed teenager on London to Brighton train

 
Police appeal: investigators wish to speak to this man in connection with the attack
Alexandra Rucki3 March 2015
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Police are hunting for a thug who smashed a bottle over the head of a teenager as they were chatting on a train.

Detectives are describing the incident as an “act of mindless violence” which took place on board a London to Brighton train at around 10.20pm on January 31.

The 19-year-old victim, from East Grinstead, boarded the train at Haywards Heath with a group of friends and began talking to another group of men already on the train.

But the initial good natured chat suddenly turned sour when the man, without warning, smashed a bottle over the teenager’s head.

Both groups of men left the train at Brighton and the attacker fled the station before police arrived.

The victim was left with a wound to his head which required hospital treatment.

Detective Constable Nigel Craig said: “What began as a good-humoured conversation ended in an act of mindless violence.

“The victim sustained a nasty wound to his head that required treatment by paramedics.

“I believe his attacker is from the Brighton area. I also believe there were other people on the train that night who know who he is.”

British Transport Police have released a CCTV image of a man they believe can help with their investigation.

Anyone with information can call 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B6 of 02/03/2015. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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