Scary situation on the train- angry guy

[Barymerry39]

I was sitting in a seat facing the door, and a guy who looked in his 20s was standing at the door for a bit.
At one point I saw him looking over at me quite a bit, so I probably slightly frowned and looked at my phone, I should've moved seats really.
The next minute he shouted 'What the fuck are you looking at me like that for you fucking bitch!'

I just froze in shock and didn't dare look at him again. I hadn't been comfortable with his staring and wanted him to get the message, luckily he got off soon after at the stop but it was scary. What else could I have done in this situation?

Got up and moved immediately as far away as possible. I know that frozen feeling, it's awful isn't it?

Nothing.

these Angry Men would end up in an argument in a dark room alone.

you just need to be aware, which you were. Maybe move seats as soon as you feel uncomfortable

Next time I will move definitely, I've never had any sort of confrontation like that on a train before.

Sounds like what I would have done. And it does sound really scary. You could try reporting it, in case it fits with another event involving him earlier or later.

Thank you, I'll look at how to report it.

Aww bless the angry little incel. Tosser.

Freezing is a totally normal response. Were there other people around ? The best thing to do is to try to be near other people. But none of it was about you it was all about him.

Were there other passengers around OP? Really scary situation for you.

Tbh I hardly ever use the train these days because of all the reports of unnerving incidents - this despite living a 4 minute walk from my local station and me being a strong supporter of public transport use instead of cars. I use the bus mainly - slower, a bit crowded , but generally feels safe.

Last year I had an unpleasant incident on the platform of the local station involving local children and so had contact with the Transport police. One of them told me there were only 2 officers to deal with incidents on an extremely large area of the rail network, including the stations. Not very confidence inspiring.

No other passengers?

Thank you. Other passengers were around but nobody really said or did anything, I mean I don't blame them.

Yeah, public transport can be very unpleasant, it's a shame.

That would have been very scary and I hope you’re ok. Not much you could have done sadly. Move spaces, move towards other people, get off at the next station and speak to staff there.
If you are in danger and it’s an emergency 999, otherwise text British transport police on 61016.

Thank you

You can text British Transport Police and they may have been able to be at the next station to deal with it.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/crime/tube-escalator-one-punch-attack-gentle-commuter-killed/

These tossers can and do assault and even kill people so being scared is appropriate.

This will be on cctv

get off mumsnet and google reporting

Thing is, freezing is not a bad response. Turning your back on an aggressive man in order to move away is also not a great option.

So don’t beat yourself up for reacting ’wrongly’. There is no ‘right’ response.

That’s really scary. Definitely report it.

Freezing in this situation was beneficial to you as it diffused the situation. If he’d have continued, get up and move far away from him.
He sounds like he was after a bit of a look and when you frowned he took that as rejection and we all know how some men respond to rejection.

I don’t think that you did anything wrong, perhaps if you had moved it could have alerted his attention further. Sometimes people with mental health issues such as paranoid schizophrenia behave in this way during an episode. It’s normal to feel unsettled and probably a good idea to report it so that there is a record.

That waste of space shouldn't see the outside of a prison again.

Use the emergency number - BTP will respond.
Relieved that it was solved by him getting off anyway but scary whilst it lasted.

Thanks everyone.

I had an angry man scream at me in a shopping centre recently OP and I froze as well. No men around assisted me. Then, because I didn't retaliate, he barged past me and continued on his way shouting at the top of his lungs. Had my mouthy fight response been activated, the situation could have escalated - so I feel quite reassured that my brain did the right thing. Even though deep down I wish I'd pulled out some of my best Jackie Chan moves.

@Barymerry39 if you’re in UK you could message British Transport Police - done it once and they were excellent. Another time was rescued by a bunch of Army guys who came and surrounded me when I was being bothered by a random loon. And yes, if in doubt, move seats - a good option is to get off one carriage when the train stops and then get back on further along.

https://www.btp.police.uk/police-forces/british-transport-police/areas/about-us/about-us/

Hope you're OK.
I freeze too and then feel useless and stupid afterwards.
Just move seats as soon if you ever feel "off". Make sure you always sit near people (even of you dont want to).
You could always text BTP too if you feel unsafe.