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Crossing Keeper Randomly Assaulted at Tal-Y-Cafn

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Y Ddraig Coch

Y Ddraig Coch

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A very odd story I came across today, very local to me.
A seemingly random attack on a crossing keeper at Tal-Y-Cafn. A very remote quiet location which makes it all the stranger. What the motive could be, I have no idea.

Let's hope he makes a speedy recovery.


http://media.btp.police.uk/r/14105/help_officers_identify_two_men_after_unprovoked_a

Help officers identify two men after unprovoked assault at level crossing – North Wales
Officers from British Transport Police are looking to identify two men after a level crossing manager was randomly assaulted.*

The incident happened at approximately 9.15pm on Wednesday 19 April at the Tal-Y-Cafn level crossing in North Wales. The victim – the crossing manager – was preparing to leave for the evening and approached the level crossing gates to check they were secure.*

As he inspected them, he was then struck around the head and fell to the ground. He was punched and kicked multiple times by two individuals. The attackers then ran off over the River Conwy.*

The two men who assaulted the victim were seen at Tal-Y-Cafn station earlier that evening enquiring about train times.*

Investigating officer PC Rob Thomas, said: “This was a very violent and seemingly random assault and I would be very keen to hear from anyone who could help us investigate. Both suspects are believed to be white men who are in their early twenties. One was wearing black Adidas tracksuit with a white stripe down the sides, he also had bright AstroTurf type shoes on.*

“The assault was in a very rural area and I am hoping someone may know someone who matches this description. Likewise, I would be looking to hear from anyone who was in the area of Tal-Y-Cafn station around 7.40pm that evening and saw two men. The road that passes Tal-Y-Cafn station is quite busy and I would encourage anyone who travelled on that road at the times above and uses a dash cam to please check their footage.*

“Fortunately, the victim’s injuries were not serious, nevertheless violence will simply not be tolerated and we will continue to examine all investigative avenues.”*

Anyone with information is asked to send a text to 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 246 of 22/04/2017. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.*
Click to expand...
 
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theironroad

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Hopefully the crossing keeper isn't too traumatised from the incident which seems to be very out of the ordinary for a remote area.

I wonder if they came back because of something from the earlier interaction.

Hopefully some information​ will come to light.
 
headshot119

headshot119

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I'm confused by the mention of the station, as Tal-Y-Cafn doesn't have one. I assume they mean at the level crossing.
 
bramling

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Y Ddraig Coch said:
A very odd story I came across today, very local to me.
A seemingly random attack on a crossing keeper at Tal-Y-Cafn. A very remote quiet location which makes it all the stranger. What the motive could be, I have no idea.

Let's hope he makes a speedy recovery.


http://media.btp.police.uk/r/14105/help_officers_identify_two_men_after_unprovoked_a


Help officers identify two men after unprovoked assault at level crossing – North Wales
Officers from British Transport Police are looking to identify two men after a level crossing manager was randomly assaulted.*

The incident happened at approximately 9.15pm on Wednesday 19 April at the Tal-Y-Cafn level crossing in North Wales. The victim – the crossing manager – was preparing to leave for the evening and approached the level crossing gates to check they were secure.*

As he inspected them, he was then struck around the head and fell to the ground. He was punched and kicked multiple times by two individuals. The attackers then ran off over the River Conwy.*

The two men who assaulted the victim were seen at Tal-Y-Cafn station earlier that evening enquiring about train times.*

Investigating officer PC Rob Thomas, said: “This was a very violent and seemingly random assault and I would be very keen to hear from anyone who could help us investigate. Both suspects are believed to be white men who are in their early twenties. One was wearing black Adidas tracksuit with a white stripe down the sides, he also had bright AstroTurf type shoes on.*

“The assault was in a very rural area and I am hoping someone may know someone who matches this description. Likewise, I would be looking to hear from anyone who was in the area of Tal-Y-Cafn station around 7.40pm that evening and saw two men. The road that passes Tal-Y-Cafn station is quite busy and I would encourage anyone who travelled on that road at the times above and uses a dash cam to please check their footage.*

“Fortunately, the victim’s injuries were not serious, nevertheless violence will simply not be tolerated and we will continue to examine all investigative avenues.”*

Anyone with information is asked to send a text to 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 246 of 22/04/2017. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.*
Click to expand...

Sounds awful - hope the crossing keeper makes a full and speedy recovery.

Obviously one cannot help but get the feeling that the obvious scenario is this may be some kind of follow-on to an incident or altercation involving the level crossing at some point. Sadly a rural crossing-keeper is quite vulnerable especially when closing up at the end of the traffic day, and of course at all times potentially vulnerable to conflict situations with both pedestrians and road traffic. Just because somewhere is considered to be 'rural' doesn't mean everything is always sweetness and light.
 
John Luxton

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Disconcerting in a pleasant rural area such as this. Perhaps I watch too many detective series but here is my theory. The assailants apparently asked for train times earlier according to report. Perhaps they then had too much to drink there is a hotel near by. Came back to find they had just missed the last train and faced a lengthy walk home and decided to take their anger out on the crossing keeper. Hope they catch them soon.
 
krus_aragon

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The adjacent tavern has recently reopened after refurbishment. I haven't been in since, but I had the impression that it was now more of a gastro pub. I find myself wondering if alcohol could be an agravating factor here. If they'd been asking after a train to Llandudno Junction around 7pm they'd be told the next (and last) train would be at 21:11. Perhaps (after passing time in the pub or elsewhere) they missed the train by a few minutes, and took their rage out on the crossing keeper as he secured the gates after the train...
 
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sonorguy

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krus_aragon said:
The adjacent tavern has recently reopened after refurbishment. I haven't been in since, but I had the impression that it was now more of a gastro pub. I find myself wondering if alcohol could be an agravating factor here. If they'd been asking after a train to Llandudno Junction around 7pm they'd be told the next (and last) train would be at 21:11. Perhaps (after passing time in the pub or elsewhere) they missed the train by a few minutes, and took their rage out on the crossing keeper as he secured the gates after the train...
Click to expand...

It's also a possibility that will be looked into by the police that the 'random' assault wasn't random at all. I've no idea whether it was or not, but the unusual nature of it will make them have a look at that aspect too.

Whatever it turns out to be, I hope he makes a swift recovery,
 
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GatwickDepress

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It's an bizarre incident, that's for sure. It's gladdening that the crossing keeper wasn't too hurt, and hopefully he'll make a recovery from this.

If the assailants went to the local pub, perhaps the bar staff might remember them.
 
Darandio

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The last train from the station is 21:11, the attack is reported to have happened minutes later. Now, it's not confirmed, but it seems more likely that someone was very irate that they had missed the last train.
 
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