Victim has life-threatening injuries
Two Wimbledon teenagers - one aged 14 - have been arrested after a man was knocked unconscious and left with life-threatening injuries at a Wimbledon-Croydon tram stop.
Police are appealing for witnesses after the attack, which took place at 1.05am on Saturday morning (July 28) at the East Croydon stop.
The boys, aged 14 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and robbery.
A group of up to five youths were reported to have attacked the 32-year-old victim, from Norbury, after he refused to give one of them a lighter.
The man, who had just left a tram with his mother and girlfriend, was then set about by the group, leaving him unconscious for a short period of time.
The victim was taken to hospital following the incident with what are currently described as life-threatening injuries.
The two teenage boys from Wimbledon were arrested in an underpass near Dingwall Road shortly after the assault and were taken into custody, where they remain at present.
Detective Sergeant Bob Stokoe, based at Croydon British Transport Police station on Addiscombe Road, said: "This was a vicious and brutal attack on a man who had absolutely no chance of defending himself.
"We've launched an investigation into the attack and are making local enquiries, including viewing CCTV, to try and piece together exactly what took place.
"As part of our enquiries police officers will be at the tram stop on Saturday evening in a bid to gather further information.
"If you saw what took place, or have any information that could help our investigation, please come forward. All calls will be treated in strict confidence."
Anyone with information should contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B3/LSA of 4 August. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
August 4, 2012