MEMBERS of the public are being asked to help identify this man after a couple were assaulted and abused on a Metro train.

CCTV stills have today been issued of the man officers officers want to speak to following the incident between Sunderland and Brockley Whins, on the outskirts of Jarrow, on the evening of Friday, March 15.

PC Nick Cannon, who is leading the investigation, said: “A man and woman boarded a Metro train headed towards Newcastle at Sunderland station around 10.35pm.

“Also on the train in the same carriage were two men who had boarded one stop earlier at Park Lane Metro station, in the front car.

“During the journey, one of the men started shouting insults at the couple with no provocation.

“When the train arrived at Brockley Whins Metro station the two men left the train, and, as they did so, one of them spat in the face of the victim, a man in his twenties and from Sunderland.”

He added: “This was a frightening and unprovoked assault on two people who were simply minding their own business.

“I would ask anyone who recognises the man pictured to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting B7/NEA of 04/04/2013, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.