Do You Recognise This Man?

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was pushed onto live rail tracks at Portsmouth and Southsea rail station.

Detectives have now released CCTV images of a man they believe may be able to assist with the investigation into the incident, which took place around 11pm on Tuesday, 9 October.

Detective Constable Matt Bevan, the investigating officer, is appealing for the public's help in finding the man responsible:

"A 29-year-old man from Havant was standing on the platform with a friend when he was approached by a man, who suddenly punched him in the face, in what we believe was an unprovoked attack.

"In a bid to calm the situation, a 46-year-old man from Chichester, who was waiting on the platform and saw the incident, stepped in to diffuse the fight.

"The man then suddenly pushed the man who stepped in onto the rail tracks, causing him to narrowly miss the third live electric rail. The victim was later taken to hospital where he received stitches for a cut to his head."

Detectives are making local enquiries, including speaking with witnesses, viewing CCTV from the station and circulating images on police intelligence systems.

"I cannot emphasise how dangerous this assault was. The man, who bravely stepped in to calm a heated situation, came very close to the 750 volt live rail and was quite understandably left very shaken as a result," continued DC Bevan.

"The incident took place on a crowded platform so therefore I am certain that there are witnesses that will have information to assist our investigation.

"Do you recognise the man pictured? Are you the man himself? If you are, we would like to hear from you.

"We'd also like to speak with anyone who was at the station at the time, and may have seen the incident happen. Any information you have, no matter how small, could assist our investigation."

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B2/LSA of 10/10/12 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on0800 555 111.