Appeal after passenger threatens staff on Angmering to Worthing train

Investigators have released a CCTV image in connection with the incident, which took place at about 2.20pm on Wednesday, October 19.

The man boarded a train at Angmering and proceeded to sit in the First Class area.

When a member of train staff, accompanied by a colleague, asked to see his ticket the man became abusive and swore at the men before threatening to attack them.

As the train drew into Worthing the man walked past the two members of staff, barging into one of them and leaving the train.

PC Peter Cooke, the investigating officer, said: “We’ve been making local enquiries to try and get a name for this man, including circulating his images to local neighbourhood policing teams, and want to hear from anyone who recognises him.

“Although the members of staff weren’t physically injured, the abusive behaviour and threats of violence they faced left them shaken and we are determined to catch the person responsible.

“Why the man felt he had the right to abuse and threaten members of staff who were simply doing their job is unclear. Everyone has the right to go to work without the fear of being abused or threatened in this way.”

A spokesperson for Southern said: “This man can be sure that our Rail Neighbourhood Officers will be on the lookout for him.

“This is another example of totally unacceptable behaviour from someone who believes they can act as they please, regardless of the effect they have on the recipients of their bullying tactics.

“We would urge anyone who recognises this man to come forward and identify him to BTP.”

Anyone with information, or who recognises the man in the CCTV image, should contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B10/LSA of 5/12/11.