🤚 Late-Night Attack Caught on Camera – Woman Approaches Pair at Preston Station and Slaps Them Both Before Running Off… Who Is She?
Woman Wanted After Late-Night Train Station Attack: CCTV Released as She Slaps Two Female Passengers Before Fleeing
British Transport Police have released a CCTV image of a woman they urgently want to speak to after a shocking late-night assault at a major train station. Two female passengers were slapped without warning at Preston station just before midnight, leaving them stunned and police hunting for the attacker who then fled the scene.
The incident occurred at around 11.40pm on Saturday when the woman approached the pair and struck both of them before making off. Officers have now circulated a clear image of the suspect and are appealing for anyone who recognises her to come forward.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about safety on the rail network, particularly late at night when stations can feel more isolated. Preston is a busy interchange, yet the sudden and unprovoked nature of the assault has unsettled passengers and staff alike. No motive has been given, and it remains unclear whether the women knew the attacker or if the incident was entirely random.
British Transport Police have asked the public to contact them by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting the reference number 27 of 21 June. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Detectives are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was at Preston station around the time of the incident and may have seen the woman or the attack itself.
CCTV footage from the station has proved crucial in producing the image now being shared widely. In an age when many stations are covered by multiple cameras, such releases often lead to rapid identifications. Police hope the same will happen here, especially given the clarity of the photograph.
Attacks on passengers, even those that do not involve weapons or serious injury, can leave lasting psychological effects. Being struck unexpectedly in a public place late at night can shake a person’s sense of safety and confidence in using public transport. The two women involved will no doubt be hoping for a swift resolution so they can put the incident behind them.
Rail crime remains a priority for British Transport Police, who deal with everything from fare evasion and anti-social behaviour to more serious assaults. High-profile CCTV appeals like this one form a key part of their strategy, putting faces into the public domain and encouraging witnesses to speak up.
The timing of the attack — close to midnight on a Saturday — suggests the station may have been quieter than during peak hours, potentially giving the attacker more confidence to strike and leave. Whether alcohol or other factors played a role has not been confirmed.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police without delay. Even small details — clothing, direction of travel after the incident, or conversations overheard — could prove vital. The force has made clear they want to speak to the woman pictured as a priority.
This case serves as a reminder that stations and trains, while generally safe, are not immune to sudden acts of violence. Passengers are advised to remain aware of their surroundings, especially late at night, and to report any suspicious behaviour promptly.
As the CCTV image circulates, police remain optimistic that someone will recognise the woman and provide the breakthrough they need. For the two victims, justice cannot come soon enough. For the wider travelling public, the appeal underlines the importance of community vigilance in keeping the railways safe for everyone.
