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DO YOU KNOW THESE MEN? BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE APPEAL AFTER RACIST ASSAULT ^ CARDIFF

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives investigating a racially aggravated assault on board a Cardiff-bound train are appealing for the public^s help in identifying two people they would like to speak to about the incident.

Officers have today released CCTV images of two men they believe may have key information which could assist their investigation.

Investigating officer PC Jon Childs said: ^The victim, a 35-year-old woman from Cardiff, boarded the 2151hrs Aberdare to Penarth train at Pontypridd and sat opposite a group of young men. She was immediately approached by two of the men, one of which assaulted her. The victim was also subjected to continued racial abuse. This frightening attack continued until she got off the train 20 minutes later.^

Having viewed CCTV footage, officers have identified two people they would like to trace in connection with the incident, which happened on Saturday, 26 November 2011.

^The first man is in his 20s, around 5ft 9in with fair hair,^ said PC Childs. "The second, who is also in his 20s and around the same height, has dark brown, collar-length curly hair. We^ve made local enquiries in an attempt to obtain names for these men but have had no success so far.

^I am hopeful that someone will recognise these two individuals, who we are extremely keen to speak to as we believe they may have key information that could assist us with this investigation.^

PC Childs added: ^This was an extremely intimidating and unprovoked attack on a victim travelling alone. BTP and the rail industry will not tolerate any form of hate crime on the rail network and we will pursue those responsible.

^I would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or recognises the men in these photographs to come forward and speak to the police.^

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B9/WCA of 21/12/2011. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.