A YOB who abused and intimidated a woman after she boarded a Metro train in South Tyneside is being hunted by police.
The incident took place at East Boldon station at 5.15pm on Friday, February 15, on a South Hylton to Newcastle Airport service.
British Transport Police are appealing to anyone who was on the train and saw what took place to come forward.
CCTV images have been released of a man officers are particularly keen to speak to.
It is believed he could have important information which could be vital to the investigation.
PC Mark Bradwell, leading the investigation, said: “The suspect walked to the platform at East Boldon Metro with another man, who was not involved in this incident, and they waited for a Metro train.
“The victim, a 19-year-old woman from South Shields, was on the same platform waiting for the same train, when she became aware of one of the men staring and whistling at her, making her feel uncomfortable.
“They boarded the train in the same carriage, via different doors, before the man walked down the carriage and stood a short distance from the woman, continuing to stare at her.
“He then stood in front of her, a few inches from her face.
“When she asked him to stop what he was doing, he shouted at her, leaving the woman feeling frightened and intimidated.
“She asked him to move away and leave her alone, at which point he shouted a string of insults at her, and appeared angry at her refusal to speak with him.”
The man eventually moved back to where his friend was and continued to stare at the victim, trying to make conversation with her. The man then left the train at Gateshead Interchange.
Pc Bradwell added: “This was a frightening and intimidating experience for this young woman, who did not know this man, and had done nothing to provoke or deserve the treatment she received.
“We are asking anyone who recognises the man in this picture to get in touch to assist us with our investigation.”
Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, quoting background reference B10/NEA of 25/02/2013.
Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.