Ticket inspector scuffles with passenger on London train after ‘racist abuse’
Fight started after rail worker asked teenager to take feet off seat, witness claims
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Video has emerged of a ticket inspector trading punches and kicks with two passengers after allegedly being subjected to racist abuse for asking them to move their feet off a train seat.
The footage shows two male youngsters kicking and punching the lone rail worker, who retaliates by holding on to a pole and swinging his legs at them in a flying kick before hitting them back.
A woman can be heard screaming “please stop” and a third member of the group tries to break up the fight.
The ticket inspector can be heard shouting “sit down” at the youngsters on board the DLR service in London.
The clip, filmed on Sunday morning, ends as the intervening youngster appears to grab the worker by the neck and push him away.
A witness claimed the incident was triggered by a member of the group ignoring the ticket inspector when he asked him “nicely” to remove his feet from the upholstery of a seat.
They told the MailOnline: “Before the ticket inspector came into the carriage, one of the guys was laying down on the chairs like it was a bed and no one was able to sit down.
“The guy continued to ignore him and the inspector moved his feet and then that’s when it kicked off.”
British Transport Police (BTP) is now investigating an allegation of assault and a racially aggravated public order offence.
“The incident happened at approximately 8.45am on 24 November on board a train at Shadwell station.
“No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.
“Officers are aware of footage circulating on social media in relation to this incident, this footage is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
“The victim, a member of rail staff, was not seriously injured.”
Anyone who saw what happened, or who has any information, is asked to contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 192 of 24/11/2019.
To give information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.