Commuters stand up to c2c train yobs (From Thurrock Gazette)

Commuters stand up to c2c train yobs

8:19pm Thursday 2nd August 2007

• Print
• Email
• Share

A TRAIN full of c2c commuters stood up to a gang of robbers, forcing them off the carriage.

John Thurgood was travelling home from London Fenchurch Street, when he heard a furore at the back of the carriage.

He said a woman was standing up to two men who had allegedly robbed four teenage lads on bikes.

advertisementThe woman was quickly joined by another seven people, who teamed up to defend her and protect the young boys, aged about 13.

As the train stopped at Leigh, the robbers tried to make a run for it, but were caught on the platform by the police.

It is not known what was taken from the teenagers.

Mr Thurgood, 23, from Leigh, said: "It was like something of Police, Camera, Action - it was unreal.

"The woman was just so indignant that these kids had been robbed.

"You are forever reading about how no one gets involved when they see crimes happening, but I saw it with my own eyes.

"When they made a run for it, a lot of people got off the train to get them, but there were police everywhere within minutes."

A fight also broke out on the 8.50pm train from Southend Central to Fenchurch Street, and police arrested three men, also at Leigh station.

British Transport Police confirmed they were now investigating both incidents.

Graham Bashford, spokesman for rail company c2c, which operates the line, said police and security staff regularly patrolled the station platforms of an evening.

He said: "Our thanks and admiration go to our customers who are obviously on our side and won't stand for this behaviour on our trains.

"It shows you can't mess about on our trains without getting caught.

"These are most regrettable incidents, but it shows the confidence we can give our customers, because the BTP were there quickly in both cases."

• Print
• Email
• Share