Teenager has mobile phone taken in rail station knifepoint robbery, CCTV: Benfleet
(SS7 - Wednesday, 18 January, 2012)

British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information after a 16-year-old boy was threatened with a knife for a £30 phone at Benfleet rail station.

Detectives investigating the incident have now also released CCTV images of three people they would like to identify and talk to in connection with the attack, which took place on Monday, 2 January 2012.

Detective Constable Michael Bute, the CID officer investigating, said:

"Around 5pm the victim was on the platform at Benfleet with a friend when he noticed a group of two men and a woman close by.

"Suddenly, the men approached the victim, pulled a knife and held it to his stomach before demanding he hand over his mobile phone.

"Fearing for his safety, the victim complied before the attackers and the woman made off, exiting the station and leaving in a taxi."

DC Bute added:

"This was a terrifying and intimidating experience for the victim, simply for a phone worth just £30.

"If you can name any of these people, we want to hear from you.

"We know from our enquiries that the group returned to Benfleet rail station later that evening with a young girl, being pushed in a pink buggy by the woman.

"They boarded a train bound for Upminster, where they were later captured on CCTV leaving the service and changing onto the London Underground.

"I am urging anyone who may have seen the group that evening, or who can identify any of them, to contact us as a matter of urgency."

Detectives believe the group may have links to Upminster, Barking, Dagenham and Canvey Island.

Anyone with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: British Transport Police (BTP)

Address:
Benfleet rail station
Ferry Road
Benfleet
ESSEX
SS7