A man was subjected to homophobic abuse after he tried to intervene when he spotted a group of men being racially attacked on a train between Manchester and Sheffield. Police have now issued an appeal for victims of the incident to come forward as they continue their investigations.
Officers investigating the hate crime, which happened on-board a service between Manchester and Sheffield on March 22 are appealing for further information. Just after 5.45pm that evening, a man racially abused a group of men who were on-board the train.
However, after a witness intervened and challenged the man on his behaviour, he was subjected to homophobic abuse. A 57-year-old man has since been arrested and released pending further enquiries, British Transport Police have said.
The force is now appealing for the group of victims of the initial incident to come forward and make contact with the police so they can continue with their investigations and be offered support. A spokesperson said: "At just after 5.45pm on Tuesday 22 March, a man racially abused a group of men on-board the train.
"A witness to the incident challenged the man on his behaviour and was then subjected to homophobic abuse. A 57-year-old man has since been arrested in connection and released pending further enquiries.
"The victims of the initial incident are yet to make contact with the police despite the efforts of officers to do so. They are appealing for the group of men to come forward to assist the investigation and be offered our support.
The victims, or anyone with information, can contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 454 of 22/03/22. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
