Commuters CHEER as a heroic ‘City worker’ headbutts a fellow passenger ‘who was threatening commuters’ on a packed train from London to Essex
- Suited man struck bearded man on c2c service between West Ham and Barking
- Commuters cheered and praised him for protecting passengers in East London
- Bearded man was allegedly harassing others and was restrained until Upminster
- Police then arrested him on suspicion of carrying a knife and a theft offence
A commuter was today hailed as a ‘hero’ after headbutting a man who had allegedly been fighting and making violent threats on board a train from London.
The suited man, who is believed to be a City worker, struck the bearded man on the c2c service between West Ham and Barking in East London yesterday.
Commuters cheered and praised the suited man for protecting other passengers whom the bearded man was said to have been harassing on the train.
The video captures the moment the suited man (right) headbutts the bearded man (left)
The bearded man was restrained before police took him off at Upminster station in Essex, where he was arrested on suspicion of carrying a knife and theft by finding.
The video begins with the bearded man having a heated discussion with the tall suited man, who appears to be restraining his fellow passenger with his wrists.
The bearded passenger then shouts at the suited man: ‘Look at me I’m stupid!’ – before the latter violently headbutts him, sending him forcibly flying backwards.
Some passengers on the crowded train gasp in horror, while others cheered and laughed at the move. Later, commuters discussed the incident on social media.
Justina Ivanovaite said on Facebook: ‘This guy was harassing and trying to provoke fights the entire journey until he was escorted off.
The incident happened on a c2c service between West Ham and Barking in East London
The victim of the headbutt was visibly thrown down and backwards by the force of the blow
‘Everyone was ignoring him as it was a busy train and no one wanted any trouble. The final straw was when he jumped in between two seats and was practically sitting on a person’s head.
‘The passenger simply told him to get down and the guy started laughing and started using horrible language towards him and a lot of other passengers on the train.
‘He then started pushing the passenger and a fight broke out, which was quickly dispersed.
‘After many more horrible and inappropriate comments later another passenger cornered him into the door so he would stop harassing people and said for him to get off the next stop – Upminster.
‘He then started pushing him and insulting him, which resulted in the final headbutt. When he was escorted off the train he still continued to make comments and insults.’
Witnesses said the bearded man had been aggressive to other passengers before the incident
Lindsey Walsh added: ‘I’m in no way condoning violence. However, having witnessed the 15 minute build up prior to this head butt, I can confirm he deserved it. What you are seeing is the head butt with no context behind it.
‘But that guy got on the train spoiling for a fight. He had a punch up with an innocent commuter and was abusive to everyone on the carriage. Again, I’m not condoning violence but the guy who gave the head butt was a hero.’
A British Transport Police spokesman said: ‘British Transport Police received a report at 3.35pm on October 3 of a man fighting and making violent threats to passengers on board a train.
‘He was restrained onboard the service and arrested when it arrived at Upminster station. Following a search, the man, aged 29, was further arrested on suspicion of carrying a knife and theft by finding. He remains in custody.’
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