POLICE hunting a man who abused a train guard and snatched his phone have released this CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to.

The incident happened at around 9pm on Friday, October 10 on the 7pm Kings Cross to Darlington service as it travelled between York and Darlington.

Detective Inspector Mick Jackson said: “As the train travelled between the two stations, the guard checked the tickets of all passengers and discovered a man was travelling with an invalid ticket.

“The man subsequently refused to pay for his ticket and became abusive towards the guard, swearing at him and threatening him.

“Fearing for his safety the guard pulled out his mobile phone to attempt to call assistance. The man then grabbed the phone which fell out of his hands and on to the floor. The man then threatened the guard again.

“The man, who was with two smartly dressed women and another man, left the train at Darlington.”

Officers have carried out extensive enquiries in a bid to identify the man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident, and are now appealing for help from members of the public.

Anyone who recognises the man, or has any information about the incident should call British Transport Police on 0800-40-50-40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111, quoting NEA/B4 of 04/12/13.