10:45AM, Tue Jun 12, 2012

Autistic Passenger Victim Of Unprovoked Attack On Train: CCTV

By Ruth Holliday Location: East Coast Main Line

CCTV: One of the men who may have information about the assault

Police are trying to track down two men after an autistic passenger from Tyne and Wear was kicked and abused on a Newcastle-bound train.

The unprovoked attack happened on the 17:30 Kings Cross to Newcastle East Coast Trains service as it travelled between Peterborough and Doncaster on Saturday March 10.

British Transport Police are circulating CCTV images of two men who may have information about the assault.

PC Kristene Mikkonen said: "The victim, a 37-year-old man from Tyne and Wear who suffers from autism, was travelling on the train with his carer.

"He was in the aisle when he was barged out of the way by two men who then verbally abused him before kicking his legs.

CCTV: The second man police are trying to trace

“The victim has grazed legs following the incident and although not seriously injured he has been left extremely distressed and upset.

“A number of lines of enquiry have been followed to establish the identity of the men who carried out the assault but to no avail.

"We also believe that the men may be Blackpool Football club supporters so if any other fans recognise them I would urge them to get in touch”.

Anyone with information can contact British Transport Police on freefone 0800 40 50 40, quote incident reference B2 NEA of 12/06/2012 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.