Detectives from British Transport Police (BTP) are seeking to identify a man they would like to speak to in connection with an incident of racial abuse on an Essex bound train on Friday.

The man is thought to have left the service at Kelvedon.
Detective Constable Alan Reed, the investigating officer, explained: “The victim, a 50-year-old Eastern European woman from Maldon, boarded the 6.32pm service to Walton at Liverpool Street.

“A man sat opposite her suddenly began swearing loudly whilst having a conversation on his mobile phone.

“When the victim suggested the man stop swearing, he launched into a tirade of racist abuse towards the woman, which continued for 20 minutes.

“The man also made threats to other passengers on the train who were watching the incident.“

Officers have conducted several lines of enquiry, including reviewing CCTV footage and have since identified a man they believe has key information about the incident.

DC Reed continued: “This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable and we are determined to find the person responsible.

“We would encourage anyone who recognises the man in the picture, or knows his whereabouts to get in touch. I would also like to appeal to anyone who was on the train at the time and witnessed the incident to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B7/LNA of 09/01/2013. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111