British Transport Police ask can you name these women?

British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses after a passenger was attacked and racially abused on a train between Deptford and Maze Hill on March 28.  A 25-year-old woman from Greenhithe has already been arrested, and BTP have now released CCTV images of a further two women they would like to identify.

The victim of the attack had intervened after a group of French exchange students were being verbally abused by three women. The incident took place at about 9.20pm.

Police say three women approached the victim before racially abusing and attacking her, pulling her from her seat by her hair with such force that the victim has been left with a bald spot.

The attack was witnessed by other passengers on the service, who intervened and pulled the three women from the victim.

The women, all of whom were carrying alcohol, left the train at Maze Hill and continued to shout abuse at passengers.

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Rachel Smith, is hoping the public can help them identify the people featuring in the CCTV images: “The victim received vile racist abuse and was viciously attacked simply for being a Good Samaritan and challenging this group’s unacceptable behaviour.

Having already arrested a woman in connection with this incident, we are continuing to make enquiries and we will do everything we can to bring those responsible for this utterly deplorable attack to justice.

Alternative images of the two women sought by British Transport Police

If you recognise either of the women pictured in the CCTV images, we want to hear from you.”

The BTP can be contacted on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B5/LSA of 26/06/12.

Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11.

This enquiry is continuing in the wake of the successful conviction yesterday of Jacqueline Woodhouse, 42, of Romford at Westminster City Magistrates.  Her racial abuse of passengers on the Central Line to Mile End in January this year became notorious when uploaded to YouTube.  She pleaded guilty to racially aggravated intentional harassment.

ITN Report including YouTube sequence of Woodhouse’s behaviour

BTP Detective Constable Steve Ajayi reaffirmed his force’s determination to stamp out racial harassment, intimidation and violence anywhere on the country’s transport network: “We treat all allegations of racism on the London Underground network very seriously and I would like to thank those members of public who came forward to assist us with this investigation.”

Woodhouse has been bailed to return to Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday May 29 for sentence.