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Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:51 pm
by ForburyLion
http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/2022/2 ... at_station
Trainspotter attacked at station
A trainspotter might lose his sight following an horrific daylight robbery at Reading West station.
The 61-year-old man, from Buckinghamshire, was standing on the bridge overlooking the train tracks when he was attacked at 1.30pm on Saturday.
Two men approached him between platforms one and two as he was taking pictures of trains, punched him in the head and stole his camera.
He suffered serious head injuries and is currently being treated at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Detective Constable Barbara Cumming, who is investigating the incident, said: “This was an unprovoked attack that has left a man with injuries which could result in the loss of his sight.
“As it happened in the middle of the day, it is likely that people may have witnessed this. I would like to hear from anyone that saw anything.
“In particular I would like to hear from the man who the victim was speaking to on the bridge before he was attacked. The man is white, aged in his 70s and is balding with white hair.
“After the attack, the man walked along the Oxford Road to get back to his car.
“He would have had a lot of blood coming from his head, so it is likely people would have noticed this. I would also like to hear from these people.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call 08458 505 505.
If you do not want to speak to police or leave your name call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
First printed in: Reading Evening Post
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 8:57 pm
by DarthMunch
What a world we live in eh?
Cant even have a hobby without being done in, its really ridiculous. I hope this man gets better.
Cheers
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:24 pm
by 220389
This is incredibly Disgusting, can't do ones hobby with out being attacked now.
When the cuprits are caught they should be made an example off in terms of Sentance.
Hope a speedy recovering to the person who got attacked
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:00 pm
by ajax103
Disgusting, hope the gent gets better soon.
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:16 pm
by Easilyconfused
It is disgusting but sadly it seems to be a daily occurrence in a lot of cities.
I don't think people should be getting too hung up on the train-spotter slant on this one. The police in Bristol have advised tourists to be careful when taking photos in the city centre especially around the cathedral area and more especially after dark when the cathedral is lit up. Digital cameras are very desirable to criminal elements since they can be easily sold on.
It is a sad state of affairs when those sort of warnings have to be issued but it seems society is heading that way. A few months ago at the social club we had a Canadian band playing and their wives / girlfriends / significant others wanted to go out at 20:45 on a Saturday night to take photos of the cathedral and local sights - we warned them of the risks but they went anyway and thankfully came back safely an hour later.
I would suggest that the fact the victim had a camera (and probably an expensive one) that opportunistic or planned robbery was the motive and not "train-spotter" bashing.
Kindest regards
John
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:52 pm
by TheAmateurBasher
Got to agree with you all guys. Disgusting, outrageous, just about as low as you can get. I hope this guy gets his sight back (it may not happen, but I hope it does), and that these reprobates get their just desserts.
There are many people who choose to make fun of trainspotters, but this is certainly not the way to do it.
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:03 am
by MoonKid47
I cant see the point of attacking the man though.
Surely even the chav's of today should have at least some respect for the older generation who fought to keep this country what it is. It pains me to see that today we are headed downhill and some of this force is being thrown at the very people who fought to keep this country free.
They didnt have to beat the gent up, they could have stolen the camera without much force really, but it shows what a terrible country we live in now.
OTT: Police should have guns and more power, as the way they are they cant do balls all....
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 8:46 am
by richard222
This is outrageous.
One would have to ask though, where were the station staff at 1:30pm on a Saturday?
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:55 am
by INTERCITY
You know this kind of thing makes me real sick,one day these chavs better watch out cos older people may end up getting pushed over the edge,it'd give me so much pleasure to hear of a gang of 40 year olds slaying a bunch of these yobs.
They will only get away with things like this for so long,the police don't seem to want to do anything about it
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:34 pm
by TheAmateurBasher
One would have to ask though, where were the station staff at 1:30pm on a Saturday?
My thoughts exactly.
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:41 pm
by superdrive1
May I say I do hope the gentleman in question makes a recovery, as for the attackers, lets hope the police get them.
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:42 pm
by allypally
Elsewhere, I'd assume, since Reading West isn't staffed on a Saturday.
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:46 pm
by superdrive1
All railway stations should have at least one member of staff around 7 days a week.
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:47 pm
by allypally
That's utter codswallop.
Re: Trainspotter attacked @ Reading West
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:41 pm
by 6rdfar90
Why is it?