Police say they suspect a fight involving Cobblers’ fans returning on a train from Wembley was the cause of a woman getting hit on the head with a bottle of vodka.
The British Transport Police (BTP) is investigating an incident after a bottle was thrown at a 63-year-old woman, following an altercation between fans on a train between Euston and Northampton.
Officer say they thugs are likely to have been returning from Wembley after Cobblers were defeated in the League Two play-off final,
Detective Sergeant Gail McKemmie, the investigating officer, said: “The victim, a 63-year-old woman who now lives in Spain, boarded the 10.34pm Euston to Northampton service with her daughter, who resides in Hemel Hempstead.
“During the journey, a group of football supporters, who had also boarded the train at Euston, began to act disorderedly. An altercation broke out between the group, during which a glass bottle of vodka was thrown across the train carriage, hitting the victim on the head.
“She continued her journey towards Hemel Hempstead, but began to feel unwell, causing nausea. After leaving the train at Hemel Hempstead station, the victim’s daughter drove her to hospital.”
As a result of the attack, she was left with severe bruising and swelling to her head and shoulders.
Detectives are carrying out a “full investigation” including viewing any available CCTV and speaking to witnesses on board the train and who may have seen the incident.
DS McKemmie added: “The victim was due to fly back to Spain on Monday morning, but has had to delay her flight until Thursday, due to her injuries.
“This was a cruel and nasty attack by the group of men, who need to take responsibility for their actions.
“We believe the service may have been busy and I am sure someone will have seen the bottle being thrown. The group of football supporters who boarded the train may have been returning from the League Two play-off final.
“If you have any information, I’d urge you to contact BTP as a matter of urgency.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting B9/LNA of 21/05/2013. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.