POLICE have released images of a man wanted over an attack on a railway worker on a train.

British Transport Police said the worker, a 30-year-old man from the Redcar area, was left in shock following the unprovoked assault on board the 22.30 Northern Rail Whitby and Middlesbrough service on Friday, July 11.

PC Mick Lindley said the man, who is believed to have been drinking alcohol, boarded the train at Whitby with a woman, before abusing and slapping a member of train staff who was talking to a group of off duty colleagues and their friends and family, one of which was a 13-year-old girl.

He said: “The man then went to the toilet on the train and returned around 15 minutes later and continued to shout and swear at the victim before slapping him again in the face. This time the victim’s colleagues stepped in, telling the man to leave.

“The man and his female friend left the service at Middlesbrough and headed towards the city centre."

Officers have been carrying out several lines of enquiry, including viewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses.

PC Lindley added: “The 13-year-old member of the victim’s group was left hysterical following this shocking incident.

"Understandably, the victim was also extremely traumatised following the assault."

Anyone with information should call police on 0800-405-040 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.