Two men sought after life-threatening assault on N97
Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault that occurred on the N97 double-decker bus near the junction of Fulham Palace Road and Lillie at around 1.15am on Sunday 15th October.
The victim, aged 29, was sitting alone on the lower deck of the bus which was travelling west along Lillie Road when the two suspects boarded the bus and stood on the middle part of the lower deck.
As the bus approached the junction of Fulham Palace Road both the suspects punched the victim in the head and body. It is believed that this was an unprovoked attack.
The bus driver heard the disturbance, stopped the bus and asked the suspects to leave the vehicle. As this exchange took place the victim kicked out at the suspects. Both suspects then continued to attack him, making stabbing motions to his neck and body. The two men then ran off the bus heading East down Lillie Road.
The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for serious slash wounds to his neck and back, a black eye and head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.
Officers are keen to speak to any other passengers on the bus at the time of the assault who may have information about the attack, or anyone who may have seen the two suspects get on or off the bus.
The first suspect is described as of tanned complexion, about 5ft 8in and aged around 19 years. He was clean-shaven with a tattoo on his upper right arm. He was wearing a black sleeveless vest, dark trousers and training shoes with a large linked chain around his neck.
The second suspect is described as of tanned complexion, about 5ft 9in and aged around 18 years. He was clean-shaven, wearing a cream or white long sleeved top, blue jeans and training shoes with a large linked chain around his neck.
Detective Inspector Harry Wragg said, "This appears to be an unprovoked attack and was clearly very violent; the victim has been left with what were potentially life threatening injuries and will take some time to recover from the assault".
Anyone with information is asked to call Fulham and Hammersmith CID on 020 8246 2505 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
October 24, 2006