A man has been arrested after a Muslim woman’s hijab was allegedly “ripped off” while she waited for a London Tube train.
A friend of the alleged victim tweeted an image of a man she claimed attacked her on a platform at theTurnpike Lane Piccadilly line station in north London.
She claimed the man pulled off the head covering while they waited for a train at 10.45am on Saturday.
British Transport Police said a 51-year-old man from Wembley was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault on Tuesday.
A spokesperson said: “Officers investigating a hate crime on the Piccadilly Line at Turnpike Lane, have this morning, 2 April, made an arrest.
“The incident was reported to British Transport Police after an image appeared on social media over the course of the weekend.
“A 51-year-old man from Wembley was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault.
“He has been taken to police custody as enquiries continue.”
According to her friend, the alleged victim pressed the emergency button on the underground station platform three times, but no-one came to help her.
She also claimed other travellers on the platform who saw the attack unfold did nothing to intervene.
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.”
