British Transport Police (BTP) are calling on the public’s help after a train was damaged and a conductor verbally abused on Wednesday, 24 October 2012.
Officers have now released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident which took place on the 23.29 Leeds to Harrogate service.
PC Harry Thompson, investigating officer, said:
The female conductor was in the rear carriage of the train when she heard a loud bang in a coach further down. When she went to investigate she saw that a man had kicked a panel, leaving a hole on the inside of the train.
When she approached the man to question his actions, he became very aggressive and began shouting and swearing at her.
Fearing for her own safety, she retreated to the driver’s cab and locked the door.
The man, who was believed to have been drinking, left the train at Hornbeam Park station.
He has been described as white, around 60- years-old with a bald head. He was wearing a ¾ length green coat, blue denim jeans and a white and blue Leeds United football scarf.
PC Thompson added:
This was an intimidating, unprovoked assault on a member of staff simply doing her job, leaving her very shaken following the incident.
BTP will not tolerate criminal damage of trains or assaults of any kind towards railway staff and we will do everything possible to track down the offender and bring him to justice. I would like to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may recognise the man pictured to contact police.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background log NEA5 of 14 November 2012. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
** please note images removed following arrest **
