A CARER died after being “pushed down an escalator by a masked gang who stamped on his chest” in a “random attack” at a train station.

“Family man” Ian Airlie, 48, was tragically discovered dead by a relative on October 10, just three weeks after allegedly being pushed down the escalator at Waterloo Station in London.

Met Police reported that Ian had spoken to security at the station after the attack at around 5pm on September 15, which left him with a gash above his eye.

Ian’s cousin, Sarah Strugnell, 50, claims a group of masked youths had attacked diehard Charlton fan Ian after pushing him down the escalator.

She added: “They just laid into him.

“He was attacked publicly in that station and left bleeding.

“When he came home he had stamp marks on his chest.”

Painter and decorator Ian looked after his Dad, “Big Ian”, on his own at their address in Greenwich, east London.

Ian’s cousin, Sarah Strugnell, 50, said: “Little Ian was a proper gentleman, he was constantly there for all of us in the family.

“He looked after all of us but he’s been badly let down by people not looking after him.

“We’re upset because he has been ignored and brushed over.”

She added: “His Dad was in hospital when he found out about Ian’s death.

“He’s still there and he can’t face going back to the house without him.

“The whole family is in shock, we’re just in denial about the entire situation – It’s hard to even walk past his house.”

Cops were only made aware of the incident by family members following Mr Airlie’s death and are appealing for witnesses.

They are also looking to speak with a woman who fell alongside Ian on the escalator and another woman who spoke with him on a bus from North Greenwich station after the event.

Sarah continued: “Why did the transport police not deal with it, send him to hospital or report the incident to the police?

“Where is the protocol in that situation? His death could have been prevented if he had been seen by the right people.

“But instead they let him go home without ever following it up. Where is the aftercare there?”

POLICE LOOKING FOR WITNESSES

Ian’s family had informed police after his death that he had been pushed down an escalator for the Jubilee Line at Waterloo Station on September 15 at 5.05pm.

He had also relayed that he had fallen into a woman described as of south Asian appearance who also fell on the escalator.

After disembarking the tube, he is then said to have spoken to a woman on a bus travelling from North Greenwich underground station.

She handed him a tissue as Ian was bleeding from above his left eye.

Police are appealing to these people, as well as anyone else who saw the incident, to come forward.

At the time of the incident, Ian was wearing a black t-shirt and light grey jogging bottoms.

On his back was a turquoise and grey Mountain Warehouse rucksack. He was carrying a medium, black suitcase.

Detective Inspector Chris Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: “Mr Airlie’s death is tragic, and his family continue to mourn the loss of a loving son, partner, brother and uncle.

“We are determined to piece together the events, and give Mr Airlie’s family the answers they are searching for.

“You can assist us by coming forward with any information. However small it may seem to you, this could be the key we need to unlock the investigation.”

A post-mortem examination on October 29 was inconclusive and police await the result of further tests.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police via 101, or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 1111 – quoting 01/942310/24.