Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder After Horrific Notting Hill Carnival Platform Attack
Arthur Hawrylewicz, from Avondale Gardens, Cardiff, admitted attempted murder at Inner London Crown Court yesterday. He is set to be sentenced on 24 April.
Attack on Busy Hammersmith & City Line Platform
On Monday 29 August, a 22-year-old woman was waiting on the Hammersmith and City line platform with friends, heading to Notting Hill Carnival at around 1.30pm. The platform was packed with carnival-goers.
Both victim and attacker stood near the platform edge awaiting the train. Hawrylewicz tried chatting to her, but she asked him to leave her alone after spotting he seemed drunk.
Brutal Attempt to Push Woman Under Train
As the train arrived, Hawrylewicz suddenly grabbed the woman from behind, lifting her off the ground. He tried to throw both himself and the victim in front of the approaching train.
Thanks to the quick thinking of two of her friends, the woman was pulled to safety just in time. However, Hawrylewicz then shoved his head in front of the train and was knocked unconscious.
Police Arrest and Shocking Interview Details
Officers arrived swiftly, arrested Hawrylewicz, and took him to hospital for non-serious injuries before questioning him. In the interview, he admitted drinking three beers and part of a bottle of vodka and claimed he went to King’s Cross to harm himself. He denied any memory of attacking the woman.
Detective’s Warning and Praise for Heroic Friends
Detective Sergeant Mike Blakeburn said: “This was a completely unprovoked and terrifying attack for a young woman on her way to enjoy Notting Hill Carnival. Without her friends’ bravery, this could have been a murder investigation.”
“Hawrylewicz offers no explanation and claims no memory of the incident. The victim, however, will live with this trauma forever. Thankfully, he now faces a significant custodial sentence.”
“While shocking, incidents like this are extremely rare on the rail network. British Transport Police acted within minutes, arresting Hawrylewicz and bringing him into custody.”
