Shropshire Star

Appeal after headlock and homophobic abuse on train to Shrewsbury

A man believed to have been travelling to Shrewsbury made homophobic comments and put a teenager in a headlock, according to police.

Published
Police believe this man can help their investigation

British Transport Police are now appealing for information after the incident and a CCTV image has been released.

The incident took place at about 7.20pm on December 23 on the 7.03pm service from London Euston to Birmingham New Street.

The offender told staff he was heading to Shrewsbury but got off at Wolverhampton.

A police spokeswoman said: "A 23-year-old man went to use the toilet and, while waiting for it to become available, was abused by a man in the same carriage.

"The man made homophobic comments towards him and CCTV shows the same offender putting a teenage boy in a headlock as he also queued for the toilet.

"The offender got off the train in Wolverhampton, but told the station manager he was travelling to Shrewsbury.

"Hate crime of any description will not be tolerated on the rail network."

Officers would like to speak to the man in the image as they believe he may have information which could help the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016, with reference 495 of December 23.

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