Police investigate hate crime after woman's hijab 'ripped off' on Tube platform

Alleged incident took place on Saturday morning amid dozens of onlookers

The alleged attack took place on a tube platform at Turnpike Lane station in north London (PA)

Police are investigating if a hate crime was committed after a Muslim woman reported a man pulled her hijab off while she waited for a Tube train.

A friend of the alleged victim tweeted an image of a man she said attacked her on the platform at Turnpike Lane, a Piccadilly line station in north London.

She said the man pulled off the hijab while they waited for a train at 10.45am on Saturday.

British Transport Police (BTP) said they were investigating reports of a “racially aggravated assault” at the station.

They asked anyone who saw the incident take place to get in touch with officers.

“We take all reports very seriously and would ask anyone who witnessed what happened, or who has any information, to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 671 of 30/03/19,” a spokesperson said.

According to her friend, the victim pressed the emergency button on the Underground platform three times, but no-one came to help her.

She also claimed all the other travellers on the platform who saw the attack unfold did nothing to intervene.

Tagging in Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, and local MP David Lammy, she asked: “Is this London?”

Mr Lammy said in reply: “This sounds horrific. I hope you have formally reported this to the police but if you email me [I would be] happy to help.”

Brian Woodhead, director of customer service for London Underground, said: “This sounds like a dreadful incident. We never tolerate hostile and violent behaviour on our network.

“All of our customers have the right to travel without fear of verbal or physical abuse.

“We are doing everything we can to support the BTP’s investigation.”