An 81-year-old Japanese man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly pushing a woman into the side of a speeding London Underground train.

Police were called to the Bakerloo Line platform at Piccadilly Circus Station at around 16:00 GMT on Tuesday, just before rush hour.

Japanese pensioner Yoshiyuki Shinohara, of no fixed address, made no attempt to flee and was arrested after the incident.

Shocking CCTV has emerged, which appears to show a woman being forcefully shoved into the subway train as it arrives on the platform.

The victim suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital to receive treatment for grazes to her face.

Shinohara appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday and offered no pleas. He was remanded in custody to appear at Blackfriars Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on November 25.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesperson said: “Our officers were called to Piccadilly Circus London Underground station on Tuesday, 10 November, following a report of a person being pushed towards a moving train.

“Metropolitan Police officers also attended the incident that was reported to BTP at 4.09pm.”

“Medics from the London Ambulance Service attended and took a woman to hospital where she was treated for grazes to her face,” the spokesperson added.

Transport for London (TfL) Director of Enforcement and On-Street Operations Steve Burton said the agency was cooperating with police in the investigation.

“This type of shocking incident is extremely rare. Our staff acted quickly to assist the woman and other customers at the scene, and we are working closely with the police as they carry out their investigation,” he said.