Police hunt Smurf, French maid, Robin Hood and pirate after young woman is attacked
Police are hunting a woman in fancy dress who attacked a young woman rail passenger from Newcastle. The attacker was part of a group of women in fancy dress including a Smurf, a French maid, Robin Hood and a pirate. British Transport Police (BTP) officers said the female passenger, from Newcastle, was attacked while she was on a train at York station on Saturday, 29 June.
Investigating officer PC Harry Thompson said: "The victim, a 21-year-old woman from Newcastle, had been out celebrating a friend’s birthday and boarded the 22:10 service from York back to Newcastle with some friends. After boarding the train, they noticed a group of women in fancy dress, including a Smurf, French maid, Robin Hood and a pirate, sitting in their reserved seats.
"When the victim asked the group to leave the seats, she was subjected to a violent assault. One of the group dragged the victim by the hair, before punching her in the face and grabbing her by the throat. The victim tried to move away but the woman continued to punch and strangle her until she eventually managed to free herself."
Investigators have reviewed CCTV footage and obtained an image of a woman they believe could help with their enquiries. PC Thompson continued: "This was understandably an incredibly distressing experience for the victim, and for those who saw what happened. I would urge anyone who recognises the woman pictured, or who has any information about this incident, to get in touch."
Investigating officer PC Harry Thompson said: "The victim, a 21-year-old woman from Newcastle, had been out celebrating a friend’s birthday and boarded the 22:10 service from York back to Newcastle with some friends. After boarding the train, they noticed a group of women in fancy dress, including a Smurf, French maid, Robin Hood and a pirate, sitting in their reserved seats.
"When the victim asked the group to leave the seats, she was subjected to a violent assault. One of the group dragged the victim by the hair, before punching her in the face and grabbing her by the throat. The victim tried to move away but the woman continued to punch and strangle her until she eventually managed to free herself."
Investigators have reviewed CCTV footage and obtained an image of a woman they believe could help with their enquiries. PC Thompson continued: "This was understandably an incredibly distressing experience for the victim, and for those who saw what happened. I would urge anyone who recognises the woman pictured, or who has any information about this incident, to get in touch."
