AN AGGRESSIVE passenger spat in the face of a female train conductor.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released this CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident, which happened on Sunday, August 30, on the 7.16pm York to Hull Northern Rail service.

PC Dan Smith said the suspect was "heavily under the influence of alcohol" when he spat in the face of the train guard, a 53-year-old woman from Hull, and called it "a vile attack".

PC Smith said: "When the train guard asked the man to show his ticket he became aggressive and was told to leave the train at Selby. As he left the train he turned and spat in the guard’s face.

"Do you recognise the man pictured? We need to speak to him about this incident as a matter of urgency as we believe he has important information. If you know him, or have information about what happened, please get in touch. This was a vile attack on a member of staff, who was simply doing her job. All rail staff have the right to come to work without the fear of violence or intimidation of any kind."

Officers are analysing DNA from a swab of saliva found on the victims face and glasses, and urged anyone with information to phone BTP on 0800 405040, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B10 of 1/10/2015.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.