British Transport Police are asking for the public to help following a recent incident where a number of rail passengers were subjected to a barrage of racist abuse.

The incident occurred shortly after 8pm on Saturday, 23 February, on a train between Preston and Blackpool North.

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PC Peter Wilcock said: “A group of Asian passengers were on-board the train when they were targeted by a second group of white men.

“The men, who seemed to have been drinking, became verbally abusive and directed sustained racist abuse at the other passengers telling them ‘Go back to your own country’.”

PC Wilcock added: “This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and left the victims and other passengers feeling extremely distressed, upset and uncomfortable.

“Anti-social, racist or violent behaviour has no place on the railway and we should all feel able to use the network without fear of becoming a victim of crime.

“Thankfully, crime is relatively low on the railway and, in the north west, has been falling for the past seven years.

“Sadly there are still some people who believe they have the right to act in a criminal or anti-social manner and cause problems for other rail passengers.

“I am now calling on members of the public, who may have information about the incident to come forward and speak to BTP.

“I am determined to trace those responsible and bring them to justice.”

If you have any information about the incident contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B8/NWA of 13/03/2013.