Catford chaos as police probe attempted rape shuts down trains
Early this morning, Catford station was plunged into turmoil after British Transport Police launched an urgent investigation into an attempted rape.
Night-time attack sparks police lockdown
At 1 a.m. on January 9, British Transport Police received a chilling report of an attempted rape at Catford station. The severity of the incident forced them to seal off the station for a thorough investigation.
Train services halted, commuters rerouted
By 5 a.m., Southeastern and Thameslink services were suspended, with trains unable to stop at Catford. Thameslink confirmed on Twitter: “Trains cannot call at Catford due to a police investigation.” Passengers were advised to use Catford Bridge station or catch Lewisham buses instead. Southeastern stepped up, honouring Thameslink tickets at the neighbouring Catford Bridge station, while TfL buses accepted rail tickets.
Station reopens but investigation continues
The standstill ended around 6.30 a.m. when Catford station was reopened and train services resumed as normal. A British Transport Police spokesperson said:
“Officers received a report of an attempted rape at Catford Station at 1am this morning. The station was closed while specialist officers investigated the scene. It has since reopened, and investigations are still ongoing.”
Police appeal for witnesses
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 20 of 09/01/23. You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Thameslink added an apology for the disruption: “We apologise to passengers that trains were unable to call at Catford station between 5.25 and 6.25 this morning. This was requested by British Transport Police, who were investigating an incident.”
