British Transport Police are searching for a couple who allegedly carried out a racially aggravated assault at a central London Underground station, with investigators now believing both suspects have fled the country.
The Violent Encounter
The incident occurred at approximately 7:30pm on October 11 at the entrance to Bond Street Tube station. According to police reports, a family including two sisters and two young children, one in a pushchair, were entering the station when a woman walking with a man collided with the pushchair.
Officers stated that the man then began shouting racial abuse at the victim and her family. The situation escalated when the female suspect grabbed the victim's hair. When the victim attempted to defend herself, the man produced a small bottle, claimed it contained pepper spray, and sprayed it in the direction of the family.
The Investigation and Suspects' Whereabouts
Following the assault, British Transport Police released a photograph of the couple and issued a public appeal to identify them. However, investigators now believe both suspects had already departed the UK before the media appeal was published.
A police spokesperson confirmed that the man is believed to have left the country on October 14, just three days after the attack, while the woman departed on October 24. Officers stated they believe the pair "do not reside in the UK."
Before both groups left the scene, the female suspect continued shouting abuse and making lewd gestures toward the family, according to witness statements gathered by police.
Ongoing Investigation
Despite the suspects' apparent departure from the UK, the investigation remains active. A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: "We continue efforts to make contact with and speak to them, and from there we will determine the next steps in the investigation."
The force has maintained contact with the victim and her family, providing regular updates as the case progresses. The attack is being treated as a racially aggravated assault, with the use of what was believed to be pepper spray adding to the seriousness of the offence.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the couple to come forward as they pursue all available avenues in the international dimension of their investigation.
