Train employees suffers ‘burns to face and eyes’ after being ‘sprayed’ as CCTV launched

On Feb 8, 2026

A railway worker was left with burns to his eyes and face after confronting a group of suspected ticket dodgers who barged through barriers.

Police are now investigating the incident and have released CCTV footage and images in connection with the horror incident.

British Transport Police (BTS) are continuing to investigate an incident whereby a member of rail staff was squirted with a chemical substance at Blackfriars station in London.

At around 6pm on May 17 in 2025, the victim was on duty at the gate line of the London station when four men alighted a train from Sevenoaks and allegedly barged through the barriers.

Blackfriars Station on 1st February 2020 in London, England, United Kingdom. Blackfriars, also known as London Blackfriars, is a central London railway station, connected to the London Underground station in the City of London. It provides local Thameslink services from North to South London. Its platforms span the river, the only one in London to do so, along the length of Blackfriars Railway Bridge, a short distance downstream from Blackfriars Bridge. There are two station entrances either side of the Thames, along with a connection to the London Underground District and Circle lines. (photo by Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images) — The incident occurred at Blackfriars station in London (file)
(Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)

One of the men was stopped by rail staff while the others ran away. Police said the man quickly became abusive to the victim and his colleagues.

The three men then returned to the ticket barriers after one of them was caught. It is at this moment that one of the men pulled a Lucozade Sport bottle out of his jacket and squirted a clear liquid onto the victim’s face.

All four men then fled the station, as the victim felt immediate pain in his eyes and lost vision.

Trains arrive to Blackfriars station during the 10th anniversary since the station was rebuilt in London, Britain 19 May 2022. Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon — The rail worker and colleagues tried to challenge a group who attempted to flee without a ticket (stock)
(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga)

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was treated for chemical burns on his face and in his eyes.

Police gave no update on the man’s condition since the incident but called it a “horrific attack” in their renewed appeal for information.

BTP Detective Constable Victoria Callaghan said: “We believe the man in the CCTV footage could assist our ongoing enquiries into this horrific attack on a man simply doing his job.

“We urge anyone who recognises him to text his name to 61016, quoting the reference 529 of 17 May 2025.

“Information can also be passed to us over the phone by calling 0800 40 50 40, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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