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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Aaliyah Rugg

Beer bottles thrown, woman racially abused and worker spat at on trains and stations

British Transport Police is still appealing for information following a number of incidents at railways across Liverpool and beyond, including assaults on staff and members of the public.

The British Transport Police is a national special police force that polices railways and light-rail systems in England, Wales and Scotland. From drugs operations on trains to coming to the aid of rail staff and passengers, BTP monitors all aspects of our railway systems.

You can also text BTP on 61016 to report non-emergency incidents. The text number is monitored 24/7 and, while it is not for reporting emergencies, BTP will send officers if required.

READ MORE: Man throws bike at officers as he flees police

Earlier this month, the British Transport Police launched an appeal after footage recorded on a mobile phone showed a group intimidating, kicking and chasing two members of train staff in Formby Train Station on Sunday, April 3. The gang shouted "do him now" and chased the security guard into a bathroom.

We have rounded up a number of active appeals in the Liverpool and nearby areas that you may be able to help with.

Man seriously assaulted in Merseyside

BTP has issued CCTV footage after a man was seriously assaulted in Merseyside at Seaforth and Litherland station (British Transport Police)

At 6.35pm on Sunday, March 6 a man noticed another man behaving threateningly towards a teenage boy at Seaforth and Litherland station. He challenged him and the "man became verbally abusive towards him".

BTP confirmed that the man then assaulted him, punching him in the face and neck and tackling him to the floor. He repeatedly punched him and put his hands around his neck before he then left the scene after another passenger intervened.

The victim attended hospital with head and neck injuries, and a broken nose. Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

Man spat at rail staff in Warrington

BTP appeal for information after an incident in Warrington (British Transport Police)

At 5.30pm on Sunday, December 19, a man with a bike tried to board a train at Warrington station when a member of staff told him to wait until everyone had alighted the train. BTP confirmed the man pushed past her and verbally abused her, before spitting directly at her face covering.

He then got off the train and left the station a few moments later. Officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 435 of 19/12/21. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Racist incident in Lancashire

Officers investigating a hate crime on-board a service travelling between London and Preston are appealing for witnesses to come forward. At just after 8.30pm on Sunday 13 March, a woman was racially abused on-board the train.

Officers at Preston railway station spoke with a man in connection and enquiries are ongoing. The incident occurred on the 5.29pm London Euston to Glasgow service that arrived at Preston station at 8.43pm. Officers are keen to speak to anyone that was on-board who may have witnessed the incident.

Sexual assault on train

Officers investigating a sexual assault on-board a train travelling from Manchester to Cardiff are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information. At just after 6pm on Sunday 6 February, a woman was travelling on the service when a group of football fans boarded at Crewe station having attended a fixture in Liverpool.

A man holding a bottle of wine then approached the woman and sat next to her before repeatedly asking for her name. He then told her he wanted to kiss her and touched her inappropriately.

BTP said she told him to get off and he replied, “there is nowhere for you to go”. She then moved down the carriage to get away from the man and stood with two Cardiff football fans and a woman who witnessed the incident.

The man is described as white, in his mid-50s, of medium build, with brown hair cut short. On the day he was wearing a black gilet, navy jumper and blue jeans.

Man attacked in station toilets

BTP appeal for information after a man was attacked in a station toilets (British Transport Police)

Officers investigating a violent assault at Manchester Piccadilly station released CCTV images in connection. At 5.30pm on Monday 21 February, a man entered the male toilets at the station and was followed by another man, who began making violent threats towards him.

He then grabbed the victim by the neck, hitting his head against the cubicle, and repeatedly punching him in the head. He then walked away and left the station. Officers believe the man in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.

Injury after object thrown at moving train

Detectives are appealing for information after an object was thrown at a train at Clifton station, resulting in the driver attending hospital. At 8pm on Friday 4 January, the windscreen of the train passing through the station was shattered by an object believed to be a brick or a stone, thrown by someone on the platform or bridge.

Shards of glass hit the driver, and he attended hospital for treatment to injuries to his eyes and face. Officers are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or anyone with information to assist their enquiries. Northern Rail is offering a £1,000 reward to anyone who provides information on the incident.

Man throwing beer bottles

BTP issued an appeal after beer bottles were thrown at vehicles (British Transport Police)

At 4.20pm on Tuesday 4 January, a man carrying a crate of beer bottles attempted to get in one of the taxis parked outside of the station however he was turned away by the driver at Wigan Station. He then proceeded to throw the bottles against the vehicle whilst the driver was inside and at the other taxi next to it, causing significant damage.

Officers believe the man in the image may have information which could help their investigation.

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