Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a woman involved in an assault on a 13-year-old girl aboard a bus in Shepherds Bush. Detectives have released an image of the person they wish to identify in connection with the incident.
The assault occurred at approximately 19:30 BST on Tuesday, 1 August, while the route 283 bus was en route from Hammersmith Broadway to Shepherds Bush Green.
The victim boarded the bus near Shepherds Bush Green and proceeded to find a seat towards the rear of the vehicle. However, she encountered a woman described as being in her late teens or early 20s, who was sitting in a manner that blocked the aisle and refused to move her legs.
In a shocking turn of events, the suspect took a drink from the young girl and poured it over her before launching a violent assault. Despite attempts by a male passenger to intervene, he too was assaulted by the suspect.
The bus eventually stopped outside the Bush Theatre on Uxbridge Road, W12, at which point the suspect disembarked, leaving the victim on the floor.
Following the incident, the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.
PC Tom Jasper of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command expressed concern over the unprovoked nature of the assault, stating, “This was an unprovoked assault which resulted in excessive violence being used against a young girl.” PC Jasper urged anyone with information about the incident or who recognises the woman in the released image to come forward immediately.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to call 101 or contact ‘X’ at the Metropolitan Police Command Center, quoting CAD6796/1Aug. Alternatively, individuals can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
