Police search for tram attack women (From Croydon Guardian)

Police want to speak to two women following Croydon tram attacks

2:05pm Friday 6th July 2012 in Local news By Nick Hitchens

Police are searching for two women after unprovoked attacks with glass bottles onboard a tram were caught on CCTV.

The incident, on Saturday June 2, saw the pair of women board a Beckenham-bound tram at Sandilands and become embroiled in two separate disputes, injuring their victims with glass bottles after words were exchanged.

Detective constable Ostin Elkins said: "As the tram approached Harrington Road around 8.45pm, a brief verbal exchange took place between the first victim and one of the women, before the woman punched her in the left eye.

“A fellow passenger then intervened and tried to push the woman away but she returned and struck the victim with a glass bottle, leaving her with heavy bruising and bleeding, which required stitches.

“The pair then left the tram at Harrington Road and re-boarded via different doors but became embroiled in an argument with another group of women, with the second woman spitting at one of the group before hitting her over the head with a glass bottle.”

British Transport Police have released CCTV images in a hope of identifying the women.

DC Elkins said: “From our enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses, it is clear that these were unprovoked, vicious attacks on two innocent women, which have understandably left them shaken.

“The tram was very busy at the time, so I am sure passengers would have seen something. If you can name the women in the images we have released or have any information that could help our investigation we want to hear from you.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0800 40 50 40 reference B6/LSA of 06/07/12