Brutal Knife Attack Shocks London Train Passengers
Passengers, including a child, were left horrified after a 19-year-old man launched a savage knife assault on a southeast London train, a court heard. Rakeem Thomas is on trial for attempted murder after a video showed him repeatedly stabbing a man with a sword-like blade onboard the train between Shortlands and 1 Junction stations.
Violent Clash Erupts on Short Journey
The brutal attack happened during a brief three-minute journey. What started as a chance encounter between Thomas and the victim spiralled into a deadly brawl.
A female passenger yelled, “f***ing stop it,” as Thomas kept stabbing the man who lay helpless on the floor. The court heard Thomas fled at Beckenham Junction, later telling his mum, “It was either him or me.”
‘More Like a Sword Than a Knife’
Prosecutor Michael Williams revealed Thomas got on the train at Orpington and stood by the doors. When the victim got on at Shortlands, they found themselves face-to-face by chance.
“There is no evidence that either male knew they were going to come face-to-face,” Williams told the jury. “Violence erupted quickly. This was not a random attack on a stranger.”
The fight first looked like a struggle but turned savage when the victim was thrown to the floor. Witnesses described Thomas wielding a blade “more like a sword” or a “Rambo knife.”
Thomas paused briefly to catch his breath but continued stabbing as trapped passengers screamed for him to stop – to no avail, the prosecution said.
“It Was Either Him or Me,” Says Thomas
After the train reached Beckenham Junction, Thomas made his escape. Fellow passengers rushed to aid the badly injured victim, with a retired surgeon giving first aid. Paramedics arrived within 15 minutes to find wounds “too numerous to count,” including a shattered breastbone and severe chest injuries. The victim needed life-saving surgery.
Prosecutors say Thomas intended to kill. The victim has refused to give a police statement.
Thomas fled on foot, evading two chasing passengers by jumping a fence. He ditched the knife and headed to Elmers End, where he convinced two women to give him a taxi ride. They grew suspicious when they spotted blood and overheard phone calls.
During one call, Thomas reportedly said, “Don’t say that mum, it was either him or me.” In another, he bragged, “I disarmed him. He’s done. He’s finished.”
Defendant Claims Self-Defence
When arrested, Thomas claimed the victim stabbed him years ago. He insisted the knife belonged to the victim and that he only grabbed it in self-defence during the struggle. Thomas said he “blacked out” and can’t recall how many times he stabbed the man.
He denies attempted murder, wounding with intent, and affray—charging related to terrorising other passengers.
The trial is ongoing.
