Police appeal for witnesses
Were you at Clapham Junction station on the afternoon of Monday, 30th June?
British Transport Police (BTP) officers want to hear from anyone who witnessed a woman and her daughter being racially harassed.
PC Michael Willoughby said: “At around 1.20pm, a 16-year-old girl and her 35-year-old mother from Croydon were waiting for a train on platform five when they were approached by two teenage girls.
“One of the girls became abusive, accusing the 16-year-old of looking at her.
“Concerned for her daughter’s safety, the victim’s mother asked her if she was OK.
“At this point, one of the girls threatened the pair.”
The woman and her daughter moved down the platform, but were followed by the girls and subjected to racial abuse and more threats.
Station staff intervened, and the girls boarded a train while the mother and daughter remained on the platform.
PC Willoughby said: “The victims felt intimidated and are still upset about this incident.
“We treat all racial harassment and threatening behaviour seriously, and are following several lines of enquiry in our investigation.
“I am keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident or has information about the identity of the two girls.”
The girl who harassed and threatened the victims was around 17-years-old. She was approximately 5ft 2in and had chestnut-coloured hair. She wore black glasses, a smart blazer, a green top, jeans and green sandals.
Her friend is described as around 16-years-old and chubby. She was approximately 5ft and had ginger hair worn in a bun. She wore a dark jacket, leggings and black trainers with white laces.
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B3 of 17/07/2014. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
August 6, 2014