CCTV image of train assault man

They would like to speak to the man in connection with the incident, which took place shortly after 10pm on Tuesday, June 29.

Investigating officer, PC Tracey Searle, said: “When the train arrived at Lancing, two rail neighbourhood officers boarded the train to conduct a routine ticket check.

“One of the passengers admitted not having a ticket, but, when one of the officers asked him to buy a new one, he refused and began to verbally abuse the victim, a 24-year-old man.”

The suspect left the train when it arrived at Portslade at 10.15pm.

When the officer again asked him to purchase a ticket the man said he had a black belt in martial arts and threatened him with violence before fleeing the station.

PC Searle said: “These were completely unprovoked threats against a member of staff who was simply doing his job and who had rightly asked the man to purchase a valid ticket.

“We’ve followed up a number of leads in relation to this incident and circulated CCTV images on police intelligence systems but have so far been unable to identify the person responsible.

“I am now appealing to any member of the public who recognises the man pictured in the CCTV image to come forward.

“We believe the man may have links to the Portslade or East Worthing areas.”

A Southern railway spokesman said: “We are appalled at the nature of this act.

“Our officers were just doing their job and just like any other member of Southern staff have the right to work without fear of abuse or attack.

“We hope that someone will come forward with the name of the person responsible.”

Anyone with any information about the incident, or who recognises the man pictured in the CCTV image, is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 405040 quoting reference 694 of 26/06/09 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.