Police seek man who opened door on moving train, CCTV issued: Darlington rail station
(DL1 - Thursday, 26 January, 2012)

British Transport Police (BTP) is attempting to trace a man who deliberately opened a train door on a moving East Coast service as it attempted to leave Darlington railway station.

Officers have released an image of a man they would like to trace in connection with the incident, which took place on Thursday, 19 January around 16.20, as the Kings Cross to Aberdeen East Coast service was leaving Darlington railway station.

A member of rail staff quickly realised the door on one of the passenger carriages had been opened while the train was moving out of the station.

The train was then forced to make an emergency stop while it was secured resulting in a 15 minute delay to this service and others on the network.

Investigating officer PC Tanya Rickard said,

"This was a reckless act which could have quite easily resulted in someone being badly injured in addition to causing unnecessary delays to hundreds of passengers.."

East Coast station manager at Darlington, Phil Crow, said:

"This man clearly disregarded the safety of others on the train and the platform by deliberately opening the train door.

"There are strictly-defined safety procedures governing the safe despatch of trains from our stations.

"It's only due to the quick actions of a member of our staff that this incident did not have an even more serious outcome.

"We fully support the British Transport Police in their appeal for information which may help them to trace this man."

Anyone with any 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:
Darlington rail station
Station Road
Darlington
DURHAM
DL1