Police are appealing for information about a racist attack on a train.
According to police the attack happened after an English Defence League protest in Halifax. Officers say a man launched a torrent of racial abuse and attacked a passenger travelling alone from Halifax to Bradford.
The assault happened on Saturday, April 16, and followed a march by the far-right group in Halifax town centre.
PC Alan Dean, the investigating officer from British Transport Police, said: “A group of men all boarded the 3.29pm Blackpool North to York service. During the journey, two of the group sat next to the victim – a 24-year-old who was travelling alone – and began to make racial comments.
“It is believed that one of the men then assaulted him, causing bruising and cuts to the victim’s face.”
Officers went to Bradford Interchange to meet the train and a 43-year-old man from Barnsley was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated assault.
He has since been bailed until June 16 pending further police inquiries.
PC Dean said: “The behaviour of some of this group was outrageous and has no place on the railway – or in the wider community. Everyone has the right to travel without fear of abuse or threatening behaviour, and when that behaviour is further exacerbated by racist undertones, our stance becomes firmer still.
“British Transport Police and the wider rail industry will not tolerate any form of racism on the rail network and we will do everything in our power to take action against those responsible.”
If you have information about the attack contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 quoting background reference B8/NEA of May 5, 2011 or call the independent charity CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111
