Detectives are appealing for victims and witnesses to come forward following a series of violent robberies and widespread anti-social behaviour on trains travelling through Kent on Wednesday evening.
The incident began at around 9pm on 24 June, when passengers reported a group of young people and adults acting aggressively toward commuters on several services travelling from Margate towards London. Amid the disruption, a smaller group of teenagers allegedly moved through the carriages threatening passengers with knives and using violence to steal mobile phones and other valuables.
British Transport Police officers met a train at Faversham railway station following the emergency reports. Five teenagers, aged between 15 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of robbery. They remain in police custody while investigations continue.
Detectives are urgently asking anyone who was targeted by the group, or who witnessed the incidents, to support the ongoing investigation. Information can be passed to the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 214 of 25 June. Alternatively, witnesses can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.