AN aggressive rail passenger is being sought after attempting to punch a member of staff at Hamworthy, Poole.

The man, who did not have a ticket, threw a punch at a 57-year-old member of South West Trains staff, but did not make contact.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers are now appealing for help from the public and have issued images in a bid to trace the man.

The incident took place around 10am on Tuesday April 5 when the staff member approached a man on the platform after noticing he had entered the station without paying for a ticket.

He asked the man if he had bought a ticket but received no reply from him. When the staff member tried to get his attention by waving his hand, the man threw a punch at him.

After the staff member said he was calling police, the man replied: “If you touch me I will kill you,” before continuing to verbally abuse him, said BTP.

The man later claimed it had been a misunderstanding and bought a ticket.

PC Paul Moodie, based at Bournemouth BTP station on Holdenhurst Road said: “This man threatened and tried to attack the member of staff simply because he had done his job and quite rightly asked if he had a valid ticket.

“Although he appeared to backtrack slightly later by buying a ticket, his behaviour was unacceptable and I want to hear from anyone who thinks they might recognise him,” said PC Moodie.

Anyone who recognises the man or has any information about the incident, should contact BTP on freefone 0800 405040 quoting B2/LSA of 2/6/11.