London, England – A man who was brutally attacked near Clapham Common is raising concerns after struggling to get through to emergency services when he dialed 999.
The victim, who had been out with colleagues on the night of February 12, was targeted shortly after leaving Clapham South Tube station in the early hours of the morning. He recounted how he called 999 for help but received no response for approximately two minutes.
The man suspects that he was followed from the Tube station by the assailants who assaulted him on Nightingale Lane, next to Clapham Common, around 12:55 a.m. He described being hit multiple times, falling to the ground, and then being dragged onto the dark common where the attackers continued to kick him.
Despite suffering cracked ribs, a shoulder injury, and the need for eye surgery due to a bleed and fluid accumulation, the victim’s cries for help reportedly prompted the attackers to flee the scene when he refused to hand over his phone.
His attempts to contact emergency services went unanswered, leaving him feeling stranded until he managed to flag down a passing British Transport Police vehicle, which then called the Met police for assistance. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing, with Detective Chief Inspector Dan O’Sullivan from the Met’s South West robbery squad ensuring that the victim is kept informed of progress in the case.
The victim’s wife expressed frustration with the lack of response when her husband dialed 999, emphasizing the need for a reliable emergency service that promptly assists those in need. The victim also voiced his concerns, reflecting on the potential dangers of delayed assistance in such situations and questioning what could have happened if his call had not been answered in time.
Authorities are conducting forensic analysis and examining CCTV footage from the area to gather more information about the incident. Despite the delays in the emergency response, efforts are being made to address the victim’s concerns and ensure that the investigation proceeds effectively.
As the investigation continues, the victim is urged to communicate any worries or additional information to the authorities to facilitate a thorough examination of the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.