Great Western Coffee Shop

CCTV images released after train guard assaulted - Neath
 
British Transport Police (BTP) officers investigating a common assault on a train guard at Neath are appealing for help in identifying a woman they would like to speak to.

CCTV images have today been released of a person they believe may have key information about the incident, which took place around 11.45pm on Saturday, 21 February.

(http://www.btp.presscentre.com/imagelibrary/displaymedia.ashx?MediaDetailsID=14985&SizeId=3) (http://www.btp.presscentre.com/imagelibrary/displaymedia.ashx?MediaDetailsID=14986&SizeId=3)

Investigating officer PC Carl Needs said: ^As a First Great Western train was arriving at Neath railway station, a woman impeded the train guard by twice knocking off his glasses before grabbing his lanyard ^ which contained his work ID and whistle - from around his neck. She then started blowing the whistle as the train came to a stop at the station. When the guard went to release the train doors, the woman assaulted him by grabbing hold of his groin area. The guard then went to retrieve his lanyard, but the woman put the items in her underwear and only handed them back when the guard said he^d phone the police.^

Having viewed CCTV footage, officers have identified a woman they would like to speak to in connection with the incident. She is described as white, aged in her early 40s, around 5ft 4in with shoulder length brown hair, and was wearing a dark jacket, black skirt and black tights. It is believed she left the station after getting into a dark saloon car.

"We've made a number of enquiries to try to identify this woman, but to no avail,^ said PC Needs. ^Therefore, I would ask anyone who recognises her to come forward, as we believe she may have information which could prove vital to the investigation. Any incident where a person behaves aggressively towards, or impedes, a member of rail staff while carrying out their duties will not be tolerated, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice. The railway is a dangerous environment and such actions can have serious consequences. I would like to appeal to anyone who may recognise the woman pictured to contact police.^

Anyone with information about this incident should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference WSUB/B5 of 23/03/2015. Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Notes to Editors:

If you do publish/broadcast this appeal, please ensure that you include the above incident reference number.

BTP retains copyright of the attached image(s). They are to be used only in relation to this incident and must not be distributed, reproduced, or published in any form of media, electronic or otherwise other than for this purpose. As publishers, it is your responsibility to check with the courts whether any restrictions have been imposed that may affect the reporting of legal proceedings. You are also reminded of your obligations under the Contempt of Court Act 1981. Under no circumstances will BTP accept liability if the image(s) are distributed, reproduced or published in any form of media, electronic or otherwise, other than for the above purpose. Permission to reproduce this image is given for one month only from today.