Police appeal for witnesses after homophobic incident on train
The British Transport Police are appealing for information after a 22-year-old was subjected to homophobic abuse on a train.
At around 16:35 yesterday the man boarded the Northern Rail train service between Shildon and Darlington stations.
A group of four males also boarded the service at Shildon and during the journey the man, who sat alone in the rear carriage of the train, was threatened and subjected to homophobic comments made towards him by the group.
One of the males is described as between 16-18 years old, about 5′ 9″ tall and of a slim build.
He was wearing a black t-shirt, dark trousers and a Gothic-style necklace.
It is believed that he and the remainder of the group alighted from the train at North Road station.
Police Constable Ryan Griffiths from British Transport Police, the officer in charge of the investigation, said:
“This was a totally unprovoked and extremely unpleasant incident and I am appealing for anyone who was on board the service or who was at Shildon station at around 16.35 hours to come forward.
“This train would have been busy at the time and anyone who has any information regarding those involved should contact BTP immediately.”
British Transport Police can be contacted on 0800 405040 – quoting incident 392/28/072008 – or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
