Train passenger brutally beaten after refusing to give thugs his top hat
Police have released CCTV images of three men after a passenger was brutally beaten in a train attack over his top hat between Catford Bridge and Charing Cross stations.
The incident happened on Saturday, 28 February, shortly after 10pm.
A group of three men walked past the victim, Jacky Pautonnier, who was standing on the platform at Catford Bridge.
The 54-year-old was wearing a top hat and the men asked if they could try it on.
Pautonnier declined, and he and the other men boarded a train towards Charing Cross.
British Transport Police said one of the men approached the victim again on the train. He was then assaulted, suffering facial injuries and his top hat was stolen.
The Daily Mail reports that Mr Pautonnier had to undergo reconstructive surgery to repair the fractures to his face after the horrific attack.
Investigating officer Stephen Allen said: "I am keen to speak to the men in the CCTV images as they may hold vital information to my investigation and I urge them to come forward."
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference S-SUB/B14 of 12/03/15. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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