A stranger threatened to "shoot" me today when I was with my child. was I being unreasonable to call 999?

[BlackFriYay]

I was on my way to collect DC from school, toddler was with me on reins. The seats were full so we went upstairs where there was only a few seats left, next to other passengers.

I sat on the nearest one and put toddler on my knee, I didn't pay any attention to who I was sitting next to as i was sitting sideways with my feet in the aisle and my back to the person occupying the window seat. Toddler was squirming a bit and wanted to get down so as soon as another double seat became available we moved across there.

A man sitting in the area we moved from started playing loud music through his phone, some daft parody song on repeat.

As our stop approached I got up, lifted the little one and was walking towards the stairs, past the strange bloke with the music. As I passed him he said not to ever sit next to him again or he'll shoot me in the face. Confused as hell, I looked up as we got to the stairs to see if he was talking to me and he was. He then said "oh is that a woman?" IE me, then added "never mind I'm still going to do it" whilst making shot gun gestures toward me.

I couldn't get down the stairs quick enough and tried to tell the driver what had happened but he could barely hear me through the plastic. I didn't want a scene I just wanted to get as far away from the prick as I could.

In a panic I called 999 which I'm not sure was the right thing to do or not, perhaps 101 would have been more appropriate. They've made an appointment to come and see me at home on Tuesday which is the earliest appointment they have.

I asked whether they're going to make any attempt to look for the man as he seems dangerous threatening lone women with children. They said they'd circulate his description and If any officers see him they will talk to him?!

Do you think that is sufficient? Am I blowing this way out of proportion?

I felt so, so vulnerable and scared but they don't seem to think it's anything major.

Because it is his intent that is relevant.

No it isn’t.

The defendant does not have to have the intention to kill but there has to be an intent that the person to whom the threat has been issued would fear it would be carried out.

He threatened to kill you. You felt his threat was serious so yes police.

@BananaSpanner
And who's determining that?

@Naptrappedmummy
You've perfectly illustrated the point I was getting at. The intent is determined by the victim's assessment, no one else's.

Ok so you were just arguing for the sake of it then 🙄

The irony 🧐

I did answer the question, again in a previous response you are conveniently ignoring.

Missed it amongst all the clap trap & can’t be bothered to scroll back.

You know statistically your husband/partner is most likely to kill you by miles, don't you?

Who doesn’t? But why is it relevant when the OP is about a strangers behaviour?

You did the right thing and there will be cctv.

Years ago I was on the tube and this man, looked homeless but was quietly sitting on the train, after a few stops this woman with a baby got on a sat next to him. He went mad, saying she can't sit next to him and got up, for the rest of the journey he was standing up screaming to himself.

Some really scary people out there

I was out walking and a man threatened to kill me. Was shouting abuse at me etc.

I rang 111 and they closed what I had reported to them in 30 mins. No action taken at all.

He was clearly mentally unwell, as is the guy that threatened the OP, I think it needs to get flagged up because he may be someone on a CTO who is getting unwell or might have stopped taking meds, he might have a support team or care manager somewhere that need to know about this. The problem with modern society is that no one will step up to help you if you challenge someone, years ago the driver would have stopped the bus and he would have been physically removed if necessary, male (and sometimes female) passengers would have assisted in telling him to fuck off.

And this right here is why I hate public transport. You were right to tell the police. It is not a joke to threaten to shoot someone in the face. Nasty piece of work.

I think it is a good job you reported it because there have been many cases where after an incident like this the person then goes on to assault someone, like the man who killed the student last year i think, he had been in a shop threatening other people beforehand. Can’t remember the name. If that is the case and they go on the run then it is evidence of his whereabouts.
Once there was a man knocking on our door shouting random things, he eventually left but we still reported it. They found him hours later and he was taken to hospital due to his mental health.

It sounds like something that should be reported, but I'm surprised the police have time and resource to come and interview you about it, especially as a crime hasn't really happened and plenty of bigger issues don't get a look in. I would have thought they'd just check the CCTV and speak to the driver.

Was it in Catford?

There is a lush in Catford that's always threatening to shoot people, but he's harmless - just drunk. Quite scary when you first meet him though

Sorry you experienced this OP. As someone who has one of ‘those’ faces that seems to attract weirdos like a magnet, I’ve found myself in a number of similar situations on trains, the tube etc, although usually the man has been trying to chat me up, rather than threatening violence - equally as disturbing and unwelcome behaviour!

Sadly, I had guessed this had happened in London before I even reached the end of your first post. I’m originally from Liverpool but in my early/mid twenties I lived in the South East for about 5 years and in West London for about 3 years. Difference between down South and the North is that I genuinely don’t think something like this would fly up here, as if other passengers had overheard the exchange, I’ve no doubt someone(s) would have stepped in to help you and pull him up on his disgraceful behaviour.

Sont worry about 999 vs 101, it’s reported now. But definitely contact TFL so it’s recorded as it will hopefully make it easier to track down any CCTV if the police do follow up.

I’d also add that whilst the police are very thinly stretched and naturally have to prioritise certain crimes, threats of violence etc, particularly against women and children will be taken seriously. A very good friend of mine who I refer to as my Southern Dad worked for the British Transport Police in London for years (was involved in the major disasters like Clapham, 7/7 etc) and there was a huge focus on ensuring the network (tubes, trains and buses) were safe and secure for all users, particularly those considered more vulnerable.

You absolutely did the right thing. This is the sort of thing where if there is a big incident people say "he threatened someone before he did the mass shooting but nobody did anything". Good for you, did the bus have CCTV? Some do, maybe the bus company can help identify the crazy sod. Hope you're ok!

The harm is done when he scares people. That in itself is causing harm.

I agree, there are plenty of examples of if people had been investigated for previous ‘lesser’ offences people (most often women) wouldn’t have been killed.

Its a shame no one on the bus offered op any support.

So sorry OP that just he been really scary especially having your child with you. YANBU to have called the police. I hope something comes of it and you never know you may have prevented someone getting hurt in the future by this man

Must have been *

I work taking calls for 999 and 101 and I think any threat that involves the suggestion of firearms should always be reported. The risk to yourself (albeit a frightening experience) does present low and seems more likely that someone either under the influence or mentally unwell has said. However, it’a safer not to make presumptions. The officers will probably try identify this man and determine whether he has access to any firearms or has any criminal past etc. people have said what’s the point in reporting etc. however accurate crime recording is helpful for the community and general public. This Would also shake me up! Hope you are okay

To be quite honest I know the bus route and the area. The man was either mentally unwell, joking etc but of course it’s not nice. You get immune to this behaviour though. I used to live between there and Forest Hill and only stayed there just over a year.

Sounds as though he was mentally ill or perhaps on drugs. I know it must've been scary but you'll just be a random person he said it to, he wouldn't recognise you again if he saw you. If it wasn't you he said it to, it would've been the next person. I'm not minimising what he said, but just in case you were worrying that he'll target you again next time he sees you.

It’s highly unlikely he had a gun, he’s most likely stoned or drunk or if OP is white of other colour and he’s black it’s a form of veiled racism.

He probably wouldn’t recognise her again but kids in gangs or teens/young men have been known to terrorise people they’ve mugged even me once. I went straight to the police both times. They were pretty bloody useless though until more people locally were mugged.

You were right to report. Understandably terrified, so it doesn’t matter that you called 999.

So many deranged people out there harming others, so hopefully the police do follow this up.