Police hunt ‘racist’ who abused a Shoreditch security guard

A security guard at a pop-up mall in Shoreditch was racially abused by a stranger and detectives hunting the man responsible released CCTV images of the suspect today (Monday).

The incident happened outside Boxpark Mall, in Bethnal Green Road, on Tuesday, April 10, as the 34-year-old victim stood guard outside one of the shops.

A man approached him to ask if he could use the store’s toilet, but the guard explained the shop, which was closing for the day, did not have one so he pointed him in the direction of a nearby public toilet.

The man continued to demand access to the shop and, when the guard again refused his requests, he subjected him to a tirade of racist abuse, which was overheard by shocked passers-by.

The investigating officer for British Transport Police, Sgt Emma Weir, said: “Fearing for his safety, the guard closed himself in the shop until the man left. He was then seen walking along Bethnal Green Road towards Liverpool Street station.

“This was a frightening experience for the guard who was faced with threatening behaviour and vile racial abuse.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated by British Transport Police and I’d urge anyone who may recognise the man pictured to come forward and help officers in this investigation.”

• Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting B7/LNA. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.