Woman racially abused on train in Shropshire

Our officers want to hear from any witnesses to the incident, which occurred between 1.45pm and 2.15pm on Thursday, 18th February.

A woman in her 40s from Shrewsbury is currently helping us with our enquiries, but officers appealing for anyone who was on the train – the 13:05hrs Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury service - to come forward.

Investigating officer PC Emma Harper said: “The 31-year-old victim, who is mixed race, was sat near a group of four people for the duration of the journey. As the train approached Telford, she was subjected to a tirade of vile, racist abuse from the group.

“This was clearly a distressing and frightening incident for the woman who, at one stage, feared she was about to be assaulted. This type of abhorrent behaviour is simply not acceptable.

“We have interviewed the victim and obtained her account of the incident, and have also spoken to some witnesses, but we are actively working to trace others. We’ve patrolled the same service a number of times since in an effort to track down any witnesses, and have also made on-board announcements to that effect, but it’s so far proved fruitless.

“We are especially keen to speak to a black woman who was also verbally abused by the group. She was with her teenage son at the time and left the train at Telford.

“Were you that person? If so, I would urge you to come forward and speak to police. Similarly, I would urge any passengers who were on the train on that day to please get in touch, as you may have seen or heard something which could prove vital to our investigation.”

If you were on the 13:05hrs Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury service on Thursday, 18 February, or have any information that could assist with enquiries, please call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting log reference 345 of 03/03/2016. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.