MEMBERS of the public are being asked to help identify a man after a member of rail staff was assaulted at Gloucester Railway Station.

Officers have today released CCTV mages of a man they wish to identify and speak to in relation to the incident, which took place on Monday, 16 December 2013.

PC Frank Hedley, based at BTP Gloucester, believes the man in the photographs will have key information which can assist the investigation.

"A male passenger was seen by rail staff to slide under the station’s boundary fence allowing him to gain access to the platforms without having to go through the ticket barriers.

“The staff challenged the man who became verbally abusive towards the member of staff before pushing him in the chest, causing the staff member to fall backwards.

“The male then made off from the station in the direction of Gloucester bus station.”

Officers have viewed CCTV from the station and have circulated these images on local police intelligence systems, but have yet to identify the man pictured.

PC Hedley added: “Luckily this member of staff was not physically hurt but he was left shaken by the incident.

“Rail staff are paid to do a job serving the public, not to receive abuse, and we will not tolerate any attacks of this nature,” he said.

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In all calls, please quote incident reference WWA/B5 of 08/01/14.