Police are looking to trace a man following the robbery of a 14-year-old boy who was travelling to Swanley.

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are asking for the public’s help to identify a man after the robbery which took place on a train between Bickley and Swanley on March 8.

The victim’s mobile phone, Oyster card and cash were taken during the incident, which occurred at approximately 12.55pm, onboard the 12.20pm London Blackfriars to Sevenoaks service.

Today officers have released a CCTV image of a man they believe may have crucial information.
Detective Constable Ostin Elkins, of BTP’s robbery squad, said: “The 14-year-old boy was sat on his own on the train when at 12.45pm a man boarded at Bickley station and sat next to him.

“The man began verbally abusing him and demanded his mobile phone and wallet. He then took hold of an item in his pocket, when the victim looked he saw what he believed was the handle of a knife.

"The boy handed over his smartphone and wallet and fled the train at Swanley station at 12.55pm.”

Officers have been pursuing several lines of enquiry, including analysing CCTV footage from on the train and at several stations.

DC Elkins added: “This was a very distressing incident for the young boy who was travelling on his own. Everyone has the right to use the rail network without the fear of crime and we are doing everything we can to catch the person responsible.

“I urgently want to speak to the man pictured as I think he could greatly help the investigation. If you recognise him, or have any other information, please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting background B3 of 28/04/2014. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.