Police are hunting two men who attacked a visually impaired man travelling on the train with his guide dog and a blind friend.
The two eastern European men, who smelt of alcohol, trod on the dog’s tail when they got on the train at Brixton rail station at 5.45pm on 30 January.
The 28-year-old victim asked them politely to watch out for his dog when they started verbally abusing him before he felt a blow to his back and arm. Although the man was left shaken, no medical treatment was required.
Det sgt Daren Bates said: “The victim, from Bromley, boarded the service at London Victoria with his guide dog and a friend, who is registered blind.”
He said his team is now trying to trace the men pictured. He added: “Fortunately the victim was unharmed but this was undoubtedly a frightening and intimidating experience for him.
“To intimidate and then attack someone who is clearly vulnerable is appalling and we will do everything we can to catch the person responsible.
“This took place on a rush hour train which would have been fairly busy. The victim and his friend have done their best to describe the suspects for us, but we need witnesses to come forward to help us piece the events together.
“If you saw or know anything about this appalling attack, we want to hear from you.”
Hugh Huddy, Royal National Institute of the Blind’s (RNIB) campaigns officer, said: “When you lose your sight it can be extremely traumatic and often people can lose confidence so feeling safe in public places is vitally important in ensuring people with sight loss remain independent.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B6/LSA of 31/01/2012.
