Police say they’re treating the incident, in which a man who exposed himself was dragged from a London Underground train, as an assault and investigating whether the passengers committed an offence
Police have launched an investigation on a group who dragged a man who exposed himself off a London Underground train.
A troubling video of the incident has emerged on social media showing the man, who was later detained under the Mental Health Act, being thrown to the floor and kicked after being hauled off the District Line last week.
A spokesperson for the British Transport Police (BTP) said the incident is being treated as an assault. They have appealed for anyone who witnessed the assault to get in touch. It comes after the upsetting case of the toddler, 3, sick on her dress before reality TV winner beats her to death.
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In the video, the man exposed his genitals and buttocks before several tube riders kick him against the door of the carriage as it rode from Upton Park to East Ham on Thursday around 3.30pm.
Other passengers are seen moving out of the way as the row ensued.
Before the fight kicked off, he is said to have been shouting and placing a belt around his neck. When he removed his trousers, things escalated and the group became involved.
At the beginning of the clip, he reacts violently, swearing and shouting after being challenged by another passenger.
One of his fellow passengers stood and firmly said: “You need to get off the train.” He responded by telling them to: “F*** off.”
The commuter replied: “What do you mean “f*** off”? You need to get off the f***ing train. Now. There are kids on here.”
The fight then broke out and a commuter pinned him to the floor before dragging him on to the platform, where he was arrested by an off-duty police officer.
The probe is said to be an investigation into whether the group who confronted him had committed any offences.
A BTP spokesperson said: “The man had been assaulted by a number of other passengers and was initially arrested by an off-duty officer, before being detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital where he remains having been sectioned.
“One man involved in the assault has been interviewed by officers, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.”
“Anyone who witnessed what happened, who hasn’t already spoken to police, is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting ref 458 of 07/08/25.”
