Tributes have been paid to an Elizabeth line worker who died after an attack at a railway station in east London.
Jorge Ortega, 61, died in hospital after suffering head injuries following the assault at Ilford station.
Officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) were called to the station just before 8.50pm on Wednesday after reports of a serious assault.
In a tribute released through BTP on Saturday, Ortega’s son said: “Our dad was the most loving person, the kindest soul you could have the pleasure of meeting.
“Everyone who has met our dad or who has ever worked with him over the years will tell you this. He had a brilliant mind, enjoyed cooking, loved drawing, and was highly skilled in art.
“He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first. He loved his grandchildren, and in turn, they adored our dad.
“He was totally devoted to our mum and loved her beyond what words can describe.
“Having been together for over 38 years, he is an example of what a great man should be like and a role model that we highly look up to.
“We can only hope to be like him. Dad is and will always be in our hearts.”
Keir Starmer said in a post on X the incident was “absolutely tragic”. The prime minister added: “Nobody should have to face any violence at work – and certainly not something as shocking as this.”
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Devastating news. My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Jorge Ortega – who went to work on Wednesday to help Londoners and visitors to our capital, but tragically never got to go home.”
The RMT union said Ortega was one of its members and worked as a customer experience assistant for MTREL, which runs the Elizabeth line.
The RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our member, who died following an attack while at work.
“The whole union sends its condolences to their family, friends and colleagues at this awful time and everyone’s thoughts at RMT are with them.”
Mike Bagshaw, the managing director of the transport operator, said: “This is an unimaginable loss, and my heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues during this profoundly difficult time.
“He was a valued member of our team, serving the railway community with dedication and kindness for more than two decades.”
DCI Paul Attwell, the senior investigating officer, said: “We have specialist family liaison officers supporting the victim’s family and our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time.
“I would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident and a 28-year-old man has now been charged and remanded in connection. We are not seeking anyone else.”
Ayodele Jamgbadi, of Ilford, appeared at Highbury Corner magistrates court on Friday charged with grievous bodily harm, affray and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon in a private place. He was remanded to appear at Inner London crown court on 7 January.
BTP said detectives would apply to amend the indictment to reflect the death of the victim.
Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP on 0800 405040 or text 61016 quoting incident 699 of 4 December.
