A ScotRail passenger was taken to hospital after an alleged assault in a train toilet, with a 39-year-old man arrested and charged. The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, November 6, when two individuals allegedly became involved in a brawl in the onboard bathroom.
Incident Details
The train was brought to a halt at Livingston North Station shortly after 11pm following reports of an assault that had taken place a few stops earlier. Emergency services, including police and paramedics, met the train. A man in his 50s was taken to hospital with head and face injuries and has since been discharged.
British Transport Police were called to Livingston North station following the reports. Photos from the scene show two police vehicles and an ambulance waiting at the station, with at least three uniformed officers standing guard alongside a ScotRail worker in a high-visibility vest.
Passenger Account
One passenger, travelling home from the Raith Rovers vs Dunfermline Athletic match at Stark's Park in Kirkcaldy, described the bathroom as looking like a "horror scene." The passenger recounted: "We were making good time home after the Raith Rovers game. The train just stopped near the airport, then after a while slowly progressed to Uphall, where there was a commotion outside the train."
"A guy looked in a bad way and there were folk arguing. The train started moving very slow to Livingston North where it stopped. There were no exit lights and people couldn't open the doors. An announcement said that doors would open after the ambulance arrived. That was the last bit of information we got... people were awkwardly joking about it all. We were unsure of what was unfolding."
The passenger added: "The police arrived. Apparently a guy had been really badly assaulted. Police removed an alleged attacker. An officer then came and asked for information before we all got moved carriage. The toilet looked like a horror scene. The ambulance arrived and the doors finally opened for passengers to leave train. With no sign of the train moving, we got on alternate transport. We saw the guy getting in the ambulance, he looked in a bad way."
Driver's Response and Police Statement
The train driver also commented on the post, explaining the limited information: "Apologies for the limited information. I was conscious that the passengers involved may attempt to flee if I mentioned the police or opened the doors and by keeping them closed would perhaps allow those responsible for whatever happened to face the consequences of their decisions. Unfortunately it was an unfolding situation and once the police arrived instructed me that the doors remain closed until they had dealt with the various parties involved. It wasn't great for anyone but we got through it and we got home safe and that's all that matters."
A British Transport Police spokesperson said: "We were called to Livingston North station at around 11.10pm on November 6 following reports of an assault. Officers attended along with paramedics and a 39-year-old man was arrested and subsequently charged with assault. A man in his 50s was taken to hospital with head and facial injuries for assessment and has since been discharged."
Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service and ScotRail have been contacted for comment.
