Violent football fans force passengers to leave train, CCTV issued: Northallerton
(DL7 - Monday, 16 January, 2012)

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for the public's help to identify a group of men they would like to speak to following a disturbance involving rival football fans.

Rival fans clashed on the 19.19 TransPennine Express service travelling from Manchester Airport to Newcastle on Saturday, 19 November 2011.

Passengers reported to police that pockets of fighting had broken out between what is now understood to be approximately 20 rival Newcastle United and Sunderland Football Club fans on the service as it left York.

Investigating officer DC Wayne Green said:

"On that afternoon, Newcastle United had been playing away at Manchester City and a number of fans were travelling back by train.

"A number of Sunderland fans are believed to have boarded the service at York when the confrontation occurred.

"There were a large number of passengers on the service who feared for the safety following the actions of this group.

"A number of them left the train early at Northallerton as a result of the disturbance.

"Enquiries have been ongoing to trace the men involved and I am now releasing CCTV images of men we believe will have information which can assist the investigation.

"Incidents such as this are extremely rare on the rail network which is generally a very safe environment in which to travel.

"We will not tolerate incidents such as this - passengers and rail staff have the right to travel without being subjected to the type of behaviour shown during this incident."

Anyone with information which they believe can assist is asked to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: British Transport Police (BTP)

Address:
Northallerton rail station
Northallerton
YORKSHIRE
DL7