Cops hunt man who bit passenger after homophobic rant

8:38am Monday 27th October 2008

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British Transport Police are hunting for a man who bit a rail passenger on the hand in a hate crime.

The police released CCTV images of the man they are looking for connection with the incident on a train travelling from London Victoria to Brighton.

Passengers travelling to Croydon may have witnessed the attack which happened at 12.05am on Friday September 19.

BTP PC Henrik Gottler said a short time after boarding the train, the victim was subjected to verbal abuse of a homophobic nature by another passenger before being assaulted.

During the assault, the 38-year-old victim suffered a deep bite wound to the hand.

PC Gottler said: "Allegations of hate crime offences are treated very seriously by BTP.

"This was a particularly nasty attack on a passenger and we are eager to track down the perpetrator of the offence.

"We are very keen to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV images as he may be able to provide us with information which could help with our enquiries.

"The man was described as a white male in his early 40s, with a bald head, shaved on the sides. He was about 5ft 8ins to 5ft 9ins, had a medium build and was wearing a white shirt with red stripes and dark coloured trousers. He was carrying a beige jacket."

"Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or the Witness Appeal Line on 0207 391 5275 quoting background log B4 of 23/10/2008."