Reward Offered After Attack On Train Driver

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are appealing for information after a man punched a train driver so hard it loosened some of his teeth.

Investigators have also released CCTV images of a man they want to identify and talk to in connection with the incident on Wednesday, 12 January.

South West Trains, whom the driver works for, is offering a £500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

The incident took place after an Alton to Woking service arrived at Brookwood around 11.45pm.

The train guard called for the driver’s assistance after being confronted by two aggressive passengers. Neither of the men had valid tickets to travel and one had pulled the emergency door release lever, unlocking the train doors at Brookwood.

Despite attempts by the guard and driver to calm the men down, one of them punched the driver, a 22-year-old from Weybridge, in the face and chest with his sovereign ring, cutting his mouth and loosening some of his teeth.

The passenger, accompanied by another man, left the guard with a scratched wrist before walking away.

Detective Constable Tony Bronger, the Investigating Officer, said: “This was a nasty attack on a man who was simply doing his job.

“Thankfully this sort of attack is rare on the rail network, and we are treating this incident very seriously.

“We are making local enquiries as part of our investigation and ask anyone with information to come forward.”

Investigating officers have arrested a man in connection with the incident. He was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Stuart Giddings, Head of Security & Crime Prevention for South West Trains, added: "We hope this sends out a clear message that we are not prepared to tolerate this kind of behaviour.

"Our staff should not be subjected to such acts of violence and we will do everything within our power to help BTP locate the offender."

(BMcN)