Transport police in hunt for racist

Investigating officers said that the 43-year-old Rotherham woman was left frightened and in fear for her safety during the incident which occurred at around 9.15pm on April 18 when the woman boarded the train at Sheffield.

Investigating officer PC Emma Willamson said: “The victim was left understandably scared for her safety by this frightening hate crime.

“She had simply taken her seat on the train and was then subjected to vile racist abuse from a man, who was accompanied by a woman, who took a table seat, three seats in front of her.

“He continued to insult and goad her, at one stage making threats of violence.

“When the victim left the train at Rotherham, at around 9.25pm, the man and the woman  also left the train and got into a cab at the front entrance to the station.”

The female companion made no abusive comments to the victim.

The man is described as white, approximately 50 years-old, around 6ft tall of a bulky build with short grey/silver hair.

He was wearing grey shiny trousers and a grey long sleeved shirt.

PC Williamson added: “Nobody should have to put up with racist abuse, and we work hard to eradicate hate crime from the rail network. It will simply not be tolerated.

“We need to speak to anyone who saw what happened. Please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B7 of 24/04/2015.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.