London station closed after passenger ‘punched member of train station staff’

A manhunt is underway after a member of staff was ‘seriously assaulted’ at a London train station last night.

Emergency services were called to Ilford station last night after reports that a member of staff had been attacked.

British Transport Police are said to be leading the investigation after the station was closed last night.

It has since re-opened this morning. Forensics teams could be seen on the platform gathering evidence this morning.

A station worker at Ilford told Metro his colleague suffered a head injury in an unprovoked attack. 

The staff member, who did not want to be named, said: ‘He was attacked by a man and fell and hit his head. He was attacked with fists I’m told.

‘We are hoping he is going to be ok, he’s in hospital.

‘He’s a really nice guy and we are just hoping he’s ok. It can be dangerous when people take things out on us.

‘I don’t know why the man attacked him but it was unprovoked.’

The staff member is said to have sustained significant injuries and was treated at the scene before being transported to the hospital.

The platform remains cordoned off as forensics dressed in white suits, combed the area for evidence to aid in securing an arrest.

Commuter Leone Torrance, 28, told Metro: ‘There’s loads of police here someone said there had been an attack.

‘There’s a lot of problems with crime and violence in Ilford, it’s a nightmare.’

Police officers have been maintaining a presence at the station as the investigation continues.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police stated that they are treating the incident with urgency and are working to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

The motive for the attack remains unclear, and officers are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Passengers traveling through Ilford Station are advised to expect disruptions, as the cordon remains in place. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

British Transport Police have been approached for a statement regarding the incident.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact BTP directly or Crimestoppers anonymously.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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