British Transport Police have launched a public appeal to locate a woman who once aspired to be Donald Trump's White House press secretary, following an alleged racially aggravated assault in central London.
Altercation at Bond Street Station
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 11, at approximately 7:30pm outside Bond Street Underground station. According to police, a woman was with her sister and her two young children, one of whom was in a pushchair, when they bumped into a couple.
Officers state that a man, believed to be Philip Ostermann, then began shouting racial abuse at the victim and her family. The situation escalated when a woman, identified by police as Melissa Rein Lively, 40, allegedly grabbed the victim by the hair.
Pepper Spray and Lewd Gestures
In an attempt to defend herself, the victim used a substance from a small bottle, which she claimed was pepper spray. In response, the man is alleged to have produced his own small bottle, stating it was pepper spray, and sprayed it in the direction of the victim and her family.
Fortunately, no ill effects from the substance were reported. Police confirm that enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what the substance was. The couple then left the area, but not before the woman allegedly continued to shout abuse and make lewd gestures.
Police Appeal and Political Links
Detectives have released a CCTV image of the two individuals they wish to speak to, confirming they believe the pair could have vital information. The woman in the image is reportedly Melissa Rein Lively, who previously expressed her desire to work for Donald Trump.
In a past interview with Politico, Lively stated, "I’m a hair away from the White House. I do think I’m going to get it." Her partner, Philip Ostermann, is the associate director of the private equity firm Aequita.
The British Transport Police spokesperson reiterated their appeal, urging anyone with information about the alleged assault and racist abuse to come forward to assist their ongoing investigation.
