Pictured: Beckenham Junction knife attack suspect Rakeem Thomas, 19, remanded in custody
30 March 2024, 16:39 | Updated: 31 March 2024, 17:29
The teenager charged with attempted murder after footage of a frenzied knife attack on a south London train went viral has been pictured for the first time.
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Rakeem Thomas, 19, was charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon, police said on Friday.
The victim was rushed to hospital following the incident between Shortlands and Beckenham Junction station and is in a critical but stable condition.
Thomas, of Beckenham, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Saturday wearing a grey jumper and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
The case was sent to the Old Bailey where Thomas will appear for a hearing on April 26.
British Transport Police said: "Officers were called to Beckenham Junction station just before 4pm yesterday (27 March) following reports of a fight on board a train between Beckenham and Shortlands railway station.
"British Transport Police attended, alongside London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police and a man in his 20’s was taken to hospital.
"He is in a critical but stable condition and his family are being supported by specialist officers."
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.“
High-visibility patrols will continue in the area and across the network as a visible reassurance to the travelling public.
“Any witnesses who are yet to get in touch are urged to do so by calling 0800 405040 or texting 61016 quoting reference 397 of 27 March.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Footage from the incident was shared widely on social media showing the attacker, clad in black with a face mask, wielding a huge zombie knife.
He took several lunges at the man lying on the floor at the foot of the train doors while passengers appeared horrified.
The attack happened at around 3.56pm on Wednesday.
One passenger could be heard screaming: "F****** stop it now", before calling police to report the attack.
They tell the 999 operator: "I'm on the train to Beckenham Junction and this man's stabbing someone on the train."
Just hours later, and less than 10 miles away, Kennington Tube station was locked down following another stabbing. Two men were seriously injured in an attack on the northbound platform.
The incident is not believed to be linked to the Beckenham Junction stabbing, British Transport Police said.
Officers were called to the scene of the second incident at around 10.37pm on Wednesday, following reports of a member of the public being stabbed.
The suspect fled the scene before police arrived.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Paul Attwell said: “We understand that people will be worried by this senseless attack.
"Our teams have been working throughout the night, aided by CCTV footage, forensics and detailed accounts from witnesses at the scene.
"We believe that one of the victims was injured after bravely stepping in to try to prevent the attack.
"If you have information that could help us, we urge you to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 728 of 27 March.
"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
