Burgess Hill Assault

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are appealing for information after a conductor had his glasses smashed at Burgess Hill station.

Investigators have also released CCTV images of a group of men who they would like to identify and speak to in connection with the incident, which took place around 11.30pm on Friday, 16 July 2010.

PC Paul Gardner, the investigating officer, said the incident began when a group of nine men boarded the 10.13pm Southern service at Brighton, travelling toward London Victoria:

“The group were being loud, rowdy and intimidating while onboard and as a result the conductor, after having warned them about their behaviour, asked the group to leave the train at Burgess Hill.

“As a result the men became abusive towards the victim, a 51-year-old man from Hassocks, and began to violently threaten him.

“An altercation then took place, resulting in the conductor’s glasses being smashed.”

The men quickly made off out of the station following the incident and the incident was reported to police. Enquiries so far suggest the men may have connections to Three Bridges in Crawley.

PC Gardner added: “This was an intimidating and unpleasant experience for the member of staff, who was simply trying to do his job.

“Staff should be able to go about their duties without fear of being threatened or assaulted and I am asking anyone with information about this incident to come forward.”

Anyone with information or who recognises any of the men in the CCTV images is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference B7/LSA of 23/08/2010, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.