A man was struck with an object during a disturbance between a large group of men on a train at Newark North Gate station on Saturday, April 27.
The 19-year-old man received facial injuries as a result of the incident, which occurred following football matches and was reported to British Transport Police (BTP) around at 10.35pm.
Detective Constable Bob Hunt, investigating the incident, said: “BTP officers attended Newark station to meet the 10pm London Kings Cross to Leeds service after the report of a disturbance between men officers believe had earlier attended football matches.
“A group of around 20 to 25 men were seen running on and off the train throwing objects and during this disorder it is believed that an object was pushed through one of the windows, hitting a man in the face.” BTP are reviewing CCTV from on board the train and the platform. Forensic opportunities are also being looked at and officers are speaking to witnesses.
DC Hunt appealed for anyone with information to come forward as a matter of urgency: “Were you on the train or at the station at the time? If so, you may have seen or heard something that could assist our investigation.
“Passengers and staff have the right to travel on the rail network without the fear of violence, and British Transport Police takes any incidents of this nature very seriously on the rare occasions when they do occur.”
DC Hunt also highlighted a passenger’s use of BTP’s non-emergency text service, 61016, which was launched last month and can be used to notify officers about such incidents.
He added: “I would like to praise the member of the public who had the presence of mind to use BTP’s non-emergency text number to alert us to what was happening. Texting is a quick and discrete way of letting us know what is taking place, and on this occasion it helped us to react accordingly.”
Separately, after Wolves lost 2-1 to Burnley at home and so looked likely to be relegated for a second year, some fans invaded the pitch at Molineux on Saturday, April 27 and confronted players. Chief Executive Jez Moxey said: “As West Midlands Police have said, it was a disappointing end to what had been a trouble-free fixture. Wolves fans have given the players and the club tremendous support and have behaved exceptionally well all season. However, as we saw on Saturday, it only takes the actions of a small minority of fans to change public perceptions which is unfair on the majority of supporters.
“A small number of fans, as passionate as they are about their Club, were unable to contain their feelings and, at the end of the game, ran onto the pitch. Nevertheless, the actions of some these people were unacceptable and it’s our duty to work with West Midlands Police to identify those who stepped over the mark.” Visit http://www.wolves.co.uk.
Meanwhile Crimestoppers on their Most Wanted part of their website have released CCTV stills of suspects, from the Wembley Stadium FA Cup semi-final between Wigan and Millwall, marred by violence. Visit http://wanted.crimestoppers-uk.org
