Man without valid ticket delays train for 30 minutes, CCTV issued: Penzance
(TR18 - Thursday, 19 January, 2012)

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for the public's help to identify a man they wish to speak to in connection with an incident at Penzance railway station.

Officers have today released CCTV images of a man they believe will have information which can assist the investigation into the incident which took place on Friday, 9 December 2011.

PC Wayne Frost, investigating officer, said BTP received a call at around 9.45pm from rail staff reporting that a man was holding up a train and being abusive towards staff.

"Rail staff reported that a male passenger had tried to get on to the overnight sleeper service from Penzance to London Paddington without a valid ticket," PC Frost said.

"When train staff told the man he would not be able to travel on the sleeper service, the man stood in front of the doors on one of the carriages, preventing staff from closing it.

"This led to the train being delayed for around 30 minutes, causing inconvenience to other passengers on board the service as well as the rail network."

Rail staff called police but the man then left at around 10.10pm on a different train before police arrived.

Devon and Cornwall Police were also dispatched to Truro station in an attempt to meet the train the man travelled on but he had alighted from the train and left Truro station on foot before officers arrived.

PC Frost added:

"Enquiries are ongoing to trace and speak to the man who caused the delay and was abusive towards staff.

"Today, I am issuing these CCTV images as I believe this man will have information which could assist.

"I would ask anyone who knows this man to contact BTP straight away."

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: British Transport Police (BTP)

Address:
Penzance rail station
Wharf Road
Penzance
CORNWALL
TR18