Fare dodger punches man who reported him to station staff for pushing through barriers - leaving him in hospital with severe facial injuries

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 05:03 EDT, 22 September 2026 | Updated: 05:06 EDT, 22 September 2026 A fare dodger punched a fellow passenger who reported him to station staff for pushing through the ticket barriers during rush-hour, leaving him in hospital.The victim had alerted a worker at Clapham Junction station in south-west London that the man had gone through the barriers without paying for his travel.But the man saw what the victim had done and approached him, punching him twice in the face – causing significant injuries that required hospital treatment.Detectives revealed this week that the assault happened at the station, which is Britain's busiest railway interchange, at about 5.30pm on Wednesday, August 19.British Transport Police (BTP) have now issued an appeal with a photo of a man whom they believe 'may have information which could help their investigation'.The man in the picture is wearing a red and black Japan football shirt by Adidas, as well as white earphones, a black head wrap, dark shorts and a black backpack. British Transport Police said this man 'may have information' which could help an investigationBTP officers say anyone who recognises the man in the photo should contact the forceClapham Junction, which is located in Battersea despite its name, is served by South Western Railway (SWR), Southern, Thameslink and London Overground services.SWR launched a crackdown on 'short ticketing' last month after finding 95 per cent of barcode tickets bought between Vauxhall and Waterloo were being used fraudulently.Fare evasion is estimated to cost rail firms £400million a year, with 6.5million journeys made without a valid ticket. SWR is believed to be losing £40million every 12 months. BTP officers said anyone who recognises the man in the photo should contact the force by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040, quoting reference 583 of August 19.Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.