A PASSENGER threatened to kill a train guard who asked to check his ticket.

The man, who refused to buy another ticket after claiming he had lost his own, became abusive after being asked to leave the 11.59pm Northallerton to Thornaby service on Wednesday, January 23 at around 12.15am.

He repeatedly threatened to kill the guard and an off-duty member of staff when they tried to eject him from the train at Yarm, also attempting to spit in their faces.

PC Gary Sykes, of British Transport Police, said both men were left “very shaken” by the incident.

He said: “They managed to get him off the train but the man then forced his way back on. Fearing for their safety, the guard and his colleague moved into another carriage and contacted police. Officers met the train at Middlesbrough but the man had already left the train.

“This was a terrifying attack on a member of staff and his off duty colleague who were simply trying to do their job. BTP take assaults on rail staff, whether verbal or physical, very seriously."

The suspect is described as white, aged 20 to 25, of slim build and clean shaven. He was wearing a dark coloured jacket, a grey hooded top and a black beanie style hat. He spoke with an Eastern European accent and had a dark coloured BMX style bicycle with him.

Anyone who knows the identity of the man, or his current whereabouts, should contact the BTP on 0800 405040 quoting B6/NEA of February 8 (CORR) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.