DETECTIVES are trying to trace a man they believe could have information about a bottle of acid left on a train which resulted in Middlesbrough Railway Station being closed for several hours.

British Transport Police (BTP) has issued a CCTV image to try and track down the man seen leaving the train station on Sunday night (January 13).

Officers were called to the station at 7.16pm after receiving reports of a burning smell on board a Northern Rail service due to travel from Middlesbrough to Darlington.

A bottle containing an unknown substance was discovered on board the train and the fire service was called and the train and station evacuated as a precautionary measure due to fumes.

The liquid in the bottle was subsequently identified by the fire service as a form of hydrochloric acid and the train made safe before being moved to sidings.

Detective Inspector Mick Jackson, of BTP, said: “We have been undertaking enquiries, including checking CCTV, to ascertain how and why the bottle came to be on the train, and believe the man pictured may be able to assist them with their enquiries.

“If you know him we would like to hear from you.”

The station was re-opened at around 10pm on Sunday night.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0800 40 50 40, quoting log number B4/ NEA of 14/01/2012. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.