British Transport Police have launched an urgent investigation after two men were stabbed at Oxford Circus Underground station within 24 hours in what officers believe are connected attacks. The Metropolitan Police have released CCTV images of a man they urgently want to question.
Officers were called to the station at 3.40am on Saturday, 30 August, and again just after 1.30am on Sunday, 31 August, following reports of serious assaults. A 23-year-old man was taken to hospital with stab injuries on Saturday morning, whilst a 43-year-old man was found injured on Sunday and also required hospital treatment.
Neither victim’s injuries are “life changing or threatening”, the police said.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies said: “There is absolutely no place for violence on the rail network, and detectives are working at pace to investigate these two connected incidents.”
The British Transport Police have confirmed no arrests have been made at this time. The BTP has released an image of a man who may have information which could help the investigation.
Passengers will see an increased police presence at the station while officers carry out their enquiries,” DCI Davies added.
Investigation Details
Officers were called to Oxford Circus yesterday (August 3) at 3.40am and today (August 31) just after 1.30am to reports of two serious assaults. The Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed the assaults are being treated as connected.
“We are urging anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen these incidents take place or events leading up to, to get in touch and assist us with our enquiries,” the detective chief inspector stated. “Any piece of information might be vital for our investigation.”
Context of Knife Crime in London
The incidents occur against a backdrop of ongoing concerns about knife crime in the capital. The number of knife or sharp instrument offences recorded by the police in London rose to approximately 15,016 in 2023/24, compared with 12,786 in the previous year.
Most knife-enabled crime takes place in metropolitan areas across England and Wales. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) recorded 31% of all offences, the West Midlands Police recorded 8%, and Greater Manchester Police recorded 6%.
Oxford Circus station, which serves both the Central and Victoria lines, operates Night Tube services at weekends when both attacks occurred.
How to Help
Witnesses or anyone with information about the incidents are asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 49 of 31 August.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have confirmed that an increased police presence will remain at the station whilst enquiries continue.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
