BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for help to trace this man after a "vile" attack on a train guard from Keighley.

The guard was threatened and spat at on a train between Keighley and Crossflatts.

The passenger claimed he had ripped-up his ticket shortly after getting on the train.

The incident took place at about 2.50pm on Monday, January 25, and as well as issuing the CCTV image of a man they want to speak to over the incident, police are attempting to identify the attacker through DNA from spit recovered from the guard’s clothing.

Investigating officer PC Sam Bloomfield said: “The train guard, a 56-year-old man, had approached a passenger asking to see his ticket.

“The man said he had torn up his ticket at Keighley and was travelling to Bingley, but refused to buy another.

“When the guard asked the man to leave the train at Crossflatts station he became aggressive and began threatening the guard.

“He then spat twice at the guard and threatened to head butt him.

“This was a vile attack on a member of staff, who was simply doing his job. All rail staff have the right to come to work without the fear of violence or intimidation of any kind. We treat all reports of staff assault very seriously and will always thoroughly investigate.”

Anyone with information or who recognises the man is asked to call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/166 of 5/2. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.