Migrant Tried to Push Postman onto Subway Tracks for a "Dirty Look"

By Ivan PetrenkoAug 2, 2024 11:35 AMNews
Share:
Train approaching subway platform
Oliver Matthews' quick actions saved a life. Source: unsplash

A homeless Kurdish migrant faces jail for attempting to murder a subway passenger by pushing him onto the tracks for allegedly giving him a "dirty look." 24-year-old Brwa Shorsh, who had been sleeping on a bench on the Victoria line platform, suddenly jumped up and pushed 61-year-old postman Tadeusz Potoczek off the platform.

Dramatic footage from the busy Oxford Circus station shows commuter Oliver Matthews helping Potoczek off the tracks as a train hurtled toward the station. Potoczek, a 61-year-old Pole, was dangerously close to the live rail and feared for his life during the harrowing ordeal.

Shorsh claimed that Potoczek had given him a "dirty look," which made him feel disrespected and provoked the attack. Despite denying the intention to kill, Shorsh was convicted by a jury after just 32 minutes of deliberation. The driver of the approaching train activated the emergency brake, and the train stopped just four seconds before hitting Potoczek, preventing a potential tragedy.

Shorsh was taken into custody and is due to be sentenced in September. The case has sparked discussions about passenger safety and the need for improved measures to protect commuters from such incidents.

Oliver Matthews, the commuter who pulled Potoczek to safety, was hailed as a hero for his quick response. His actions, along with the driver's timely application of the emergency brake, prevented a possible fatal accident.

Public Reaction

The public reaction to the incident has been highly negative and emotional. Most commentators call for strict measures, including the deportation of Brwa Shorsh. Many express dissatisfaction with the fact that such crimes occur and suggest immediate deportation of the perpetrator to avoid taxpayer expenses for his imprisonment.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of subway passengers and the importance of vigilance and support for those who may be in difficult situations, such as the homeless. It also underscores the bravery and quick thinking of individuals like Oliver Matthews, whose actions can make a life-saving difference.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Architectural rendering of The StandardX Times Square hotel entrance with theatre banners

New Times Square Hotel Plans a Free-Fall Ride

Oct 31, 2026 01:32 AM
Plate of eggs, bacon and pancakes with orange juice on a breakfast table

Premier Inn Gives Guests Free Breakfast on Winter Stays

Oct 31, 2026 01:27 AM

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Adds Wellness Retreats to Island Holidays

Oct 30, 2026 22:34 PM

Rome Protesters Plan to Stay Near Colosseum

Oct 30, 2026 20:21 PM
Network Rail engineer standing beside railway tracks

West Wales Trips Face Three Rail Shutdowns in November

Oct 30, 2026 18:39 PM
IHG and Asset World Corporation representatives at the Ruby hotel launch press conference in Bangkok

Bangkok to Welcome New Ruby Hotel Inspired by 1920s Siam in 2027

Oct 30, 2026 18:26 PM
Red-cloaked Halloween figure standing in a dark stone archway

Ghost Churches and Haunted Castles - Which Can You Visit?

Oct 30, 2026 16:43 PM
Zadar old town overlooking the Adriatic Sea

Ryanair’s New Croatia Flights Beat a 15-Hour Drive

Oct 30, 2026 16:38 PM
Illuminated Coca-Cola Christmas truck on a snowy street

Eight US Resorts Add Coca-Cola Events to Their Christmas Lineup

Oct 30, 2026 06:05 AM

Vrbo Adds AI Search to Find Holiday Homes by Describing Your Trip

Oct 30, 2026 05:52 AM

Birmingham’s New Toronto Flights Skip the Stopover

Oct 30, 2026 03:47 AM
Family enjoying dinner together at a restaurant

Sardinia Restaurants Ask Families to Ditch Their Phones

Oct 30, 2026 03:34 AM
Caracas skyline beneath the Ávila mountains

TAP’s Caracas Flights Return to the Timetable

Oct 30, 2026 03:21 AM
Visitors on a sandy beach surrounded by rocky cliffs

England’s Tourist Tax Could Add £100 to Family Breaks

Oct 30, 2026 03:19 AM
Virgin Galactic's Spaceship Apeiron parked on the tarmac at sunset

Virgin Galactic Plans 2027 Spaceflights - Can You Book?

Oct 30, 2026 03:06 AM

‘Endless’ Cruise Forces 203 Ashore in Cambodia

Oct 30, 2026 02:53 AM

Taking a Vape Abroad? Six Countries With Tough Rules

Oct 29, 2026 22:28 PM
Hand holding colourful sticky notes with the words "Disruption Talk" in an office

UK Issues Travel Warnings for 16 Destinations Amid Middle East Tensions

Oct 29, 2026 22:12 PM
City Thameslink station entrance with National Rail signs

City Thameslink to Close for Months - Where to Go Instead

Oct 29, 2026 22:05 PM
Iberia passenger aircraft taxiing at an airport

Iberia Adds 14 Flights as Madrid–Andalusia Trains Halt

Oct 29, 2026 21:52 PM
High-speed passenger train travelling past wooded cliffs

London’s Europe Trains Could Get a Second Stop

Oct 29, 2026 21:47 PM
Black Friday sale sign on a red background

Black Friday May Not Be the Best Day to Book Flights

Oct 29, 2026 21:34 PM

Essex and Suffolk Face Three Weekends of Rail Disruption

Oct 29, 2026 21:21 PM

More Routes, One Ticket: What Qatar Airways and WestJet Are Offering

Oct 29, 2026 21:10 PM
Person pointing at a digital screen displaying charts and data visualizations

Travelers Like Airport Biometrics but Worry About Data Leaks

Oct 29, 2026 20:25 PM
Black and white close-up of a damaged miniature railway track with bent rails and scattered debris

Two High-Speed Trains Collide in Spain: Death Toll Rises to 69

Oct 29, 2026 18:38 PM