Passenger assaulted for 'answering his phone on train'

Police are searching for two men who reportedly assaulted a fellow train passenger - just for answering his phone in the carriage.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers want to speak to them following the incident on a train in Essex on Friday 20 February.

The incident happened at around 7.10pm on a train travelling between Pitsea and Stanford-le-Hope.

Detective Constable Sally Everritt said: "A 27-year-old man answered his phone on the train.

"Another passenger, who was angered by this, swore at the man and then hit him.

"At this point another man in the carriage got involved, pinning the victim in his seat and joining the attack."

All three men got off at Stanford-le-Hope, but the assailants continued to threaten the victim with violence.

DC Everritt said: "All three men left the station separately, with the victim reporting the incident to police.

"There is no excuse for violence on the rail network, and the actions of the men involved in this assault were totally unjustified.

"I am confident the men in the images we are issuing today can help with out enquiries. Who are they?"

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B8 of 07/04/2015. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.