Train Thug Attacked Female NHS Doctor: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting a violent thug, who followed and pushed a female NHS doctor to the ground, causing serious injuries.

The 37 year-old woman was followed on the Docklands Light Railway and into the street, where she was attacked, suffering cuts, bruises and a fractured tooth.

Officers have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

At around 6.15pm on Friday, April 17, the doctor was making her way home from work at Shadwell DLR Station.

She became aware of a man, who she did not know, on the platform who appeared to be following her.

The victim boarded the train, as did the suspect. 

The victim was so concerned about his actions she got off the train at Canning Town before quickly re-boarding in a bid to lose the man, but noticed he had mirrored her actions.

When she got off the train at Royal Victoria DLR Station, the suspect was still following. 

As a result, the victim asked two men she did not know to walk with her because she feared she was being followed. 

The suspect still followed.

The men walked with her part of the way before their journeys took them in different directions. 

The victim decided to call police, but as she walked along Butchers Road, Canning Town, the suspect approached her from behind and pushed her to the ground.

The victim was taken to hospital with cuts, bruising and injuries to her mouth, which included a broken tooth.

The suspect is believed to have left the scene, returning in the direction of Royal Victoria DLR Station.

Officers retain an open mind as to the motive for this attack.

There is nothing to suggest the victim was targeted specifically because she was a member of NHS staff and none of her property was taken.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue, led by the North East Command CID.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged around 20 years-old. 

At the time of the attack he was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a grey hooded top under a dark jacket and a dark cap.

Detective Constable Alister Kim, from North East CID, said: “We have no reason to believe that the victim in this case was targeted specifically because she was a doctor or working for the NHS. 

“However, we would urgently seek the public's help in identifying this man. 

“The victim was subjected to a frightening ordeal, having been followed along the transport network by this suspect who did not leave her alone, even after she sought help from members of the public and made a call to police.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen any part of this incident, either at Shadwell DLR Station, on the DLR itself, or when the victim got off and walked to Butchers Road from Royal Victoria Station.

“Or did you perhaps see the actions of the victim as she got off and back on the train at Canning Town, followed by the suspect? 

“In particular we are very keen to speak to the two witnesses who helped the victim on her journey home.”

Anyone who might have information that could assist police is asked to call 101 reference CAD 6121/17 Apr, Tweet @MetCC or remain 100% anonymous by calling the independent charity Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.