Teenager charged with attempted murder after stabbing on train in Beckenham

Rakeem Thomas, 19, is remanded into custody after daylight attack in front of passengers in south London

British Transport Police (BTP) said they received reports of two men fighting between Beckenham and Shortlands railway station shortly before 4pm on Wednesday (Euan Ramsay)

A teenager has been charged with attempted murder after a stabbing on a train in broad daylight in south London.

Rakeem Thomas, 19, has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon after the knife attack in front of passengers in Beckenham on Wednesday. Thomas was remanded into custody on Friday and is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

British Transport Police (BTP) said they received reports of two men fighting between Beckenham and Shortlands railway station shortly before 4pm on Wednesday.

Footage shared on social media showed a male wearing a black hooded jacket, black trousers and a face mask holding a large blade.

The victim, who is in his 20s, was taken to hospital and is in a critical but stable condition. Train services in the area were disrupted until around 6.30pm on the day of the attack.

In the wake of the incident, Assistant Chief Constable from BTP Allan Gregory said: “This is an incredibly concerning incident, which took place in front of other passengers in broad daylight.”

Following Thomas’ arrest, Superintendent Darren Malpas said: “We understand the concerns of the public following this incident and our detectives have been working tirelessly to investigate. I hope this arrest will bring some reassurance to those on the rail network.”