London, United Kingdom – A man in London voiced his concerns after he was violently attacked near Clapham Common and was unable to get through to a 999 operator for help. The victim, who had been out with work colleagues in the early morning hours of February 12, was attacked by strangers shortly after leaving Clapham South Tube station. He tried to call 999, but his call went unanswered for about two minutes.
The man believes he was followed off the Tube by the attackers, who assaulted him in Nightingale Lane, next to Clapham Common, at around 12:55 am. He described being struck several times, falling to the ground, and dragged to a dark area away from the road. The assault lasted about seven minutes, with the attackers repeatedly kicking him and demanding his phone, which he refused to hand over. They fled when he cried for help.
As a result of the attack, the man sustained cracked ribs, a shoulder injury, and required surgery for a bleed and fluid in his eye. Despite trying to call for help, he received no response from 999. He mentioned attempting to dial 999, only to receive a message stating that all operators were busy, leaving him with no immediate assistance.
Eventually, the man was able to flag down a passing British Transport Police vehicle, which radioed the Metropolitan Police to attend the scene. The victim expressed gratitude for the assistance but highlighted the concerning delay in reaching emergency services. His wife also voiced her frustration, emphasizing the need for a more responsive 999 service.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan O’Sullivan of the Metropolitan Police’s South West robbery squad confirmed receiving the victim’s 999 call and subsequent contact with the British Transport Police. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with forensic inquiries and CCTV footage analysis being conducted to gather more information.
O’Sullivan extended an invitation to the victim to discuss any concerns regarding the investigation’s progress, emphasizing the importance of keeping the victim informed as the case develops. The victim’s experience underscores the critical need for a prompt and efficient emergency response system to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in distress.