A BUSINESSMAN who fended off 15 attackers on a train has slammed Connex for not providing enough protection.

Police have admitted a gang is terrorising passengers around Grove Park station but the company has not put any more guards on trains.

Earlier in the month, a 20-year-old man was mugged at knife-point while travelling from Orpington.

And in the most recent incident, Lawrence Assock, 40, was attacked, as he travelled from Bromley North, by youths as young as 13 who threatened to stab him.

Mr Assock, who regularly travels to London on business, added: "I'm a big bloke and can look after myself but if they'd attacked an elderly lady I hate to think what might've happened.

"When I eventually spoke to the driver he wasn't interested and said there was no point reporting it.

"I was furious and will be making a full complaint in writing.

"I contacted British Transport Police and they said they were aware of a problem which begs the question, why hasn't anything been done?"

A spokesman for the transport police confirmed the attack may be linked to other robberies on trains in the area.

Detective Sergeant Steve O'Neill said: "We have identified a continuing problem here with quite a large group of teenagers.

"Officers will be assigned to this trouble hot-spot in a very high profile way, which basically means sending officers onto the trains."

David Ewart, of Connex, says the company operates a driver-only service on this, and other routes, across south-east London and Kent.

He added he would be "very concerned" if a driver refused to report an attack but said: "We've installed communication radios near all the doors so people can be in direct contact with the driver who can choose to hold a train up and wait for the police.

"If the passenger contacts us, we will investigate the incident fully."

July 30, 2001 12:18