Shocking CCTV footage shows blind and deaf man pushed onto train tracks in violent assault

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Shocking CCTV footage of a registered blind man being pushed onto the tracks during a violent assault at a train station has been released by British Transport Police (BTP).

The video shows the man, who is also profoundly deaf, being pushed off the platform at Chelmsford station in Essex and then punched as he tries to get back onto the platform.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard the 31-year-old was attacked on the platform whilst waiting for a train with his brother and a friend, BTP said.

The court was shown CCTV footage of the victim's 28-year-old brother coming to the aid of his sibling, only to be attacked in a horrifying assault.

The partially-sighted man was thrown onto the tracks, and punched in the face as he tried to climb back onto the platform.

Police said his brother was also thrown on to the track during the "appalling" incident in which the brothers "could have been killed".

Two men from Colchester, Essex, have been jailed for 22 months and nine months respectively, BTP said.

Daniel Webster, 23, of Colchester Road, Coggleshall, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm against both victims, while Niall Martin, 24, of Speedwell Road, Colchester, pleaded guilty to ABH against one of the men.

Both victims were taken to hospital, where the 31-year-old old man had surgery on a fractured foot.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Alan Reed said: "This is one of the most appalling incidents I have investigated.

"Webster and Martin showed a savage disregard for their victims, and one of the brothers is still suffering from the injuries sustained to his foot.

"It is no exaggeration to say the brothers could have been killed after being thrown onto the tracks.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victims, who have shown great dignity following what was a terrifying ordeal for them."

Additional reporting by PA