Train passengers 'gassed' by gang

Police said up to 30 people suffered breathing problems, sore eyes and throat irritation as a result of the attack in south-east London.

CCTV images of Penge East Station show one youth reaching through an open window of the carriage.

The teenagers were then seen directing a gesture of drawing their fingers across their throats at the passengers.

Medical treatment

Police said the 1552 BST Victoria to Orpington service was crowded with women, young children and elderly people when the gang struck on the afternoon of 20 July.

The trio boarded the train at Victoria and were later seen getting off at Penge East Station.

"It is believed that he then sprayed a noxious substance similar to pepper spray into the carriage"
Detective Constable Vanessa Cottington

Det Con Vanessa Cottington said: "As the doors were closing one youth standing on the platform is captured on CCTV reaching his hand into the open window of the carriage.

"It is believed that he then sprayed a noxious substance similar to pepper spray into the carriage.

"The youths then made a gesture of drawing their hands across their throats in a cutting action which was directed towards passengers in the carriage."

One person needed medical treatment while several others reported suffering the effects of the gas.

Police want to trace two white youths and a black youth seen on a bike at the time of the attack.

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