Investigation launched following attack at station

Police are appealing for anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV to come forward and help officers in their investigation

British Transport Police has launched an investigation following an unprovoked attack on a man and a woman at Rochdale station – leaving one with a broken nose.

Detectives have released CCTV of a man they would like to identify in connection with the assault, which took place on Thursday 10 March.

Detective Constable Arif Hussain, the investigating officer, said the pair were standing close to Rochdale station’s booking office at around 7.00pm when they were approached by two men.

DC Hussain explained: “The two, a 35-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, both from Rochdale, were walking up the station stairs when they were verbally abused by two men. When the victims reacted, a verbal altercation took place before one of the men hit both the man and woman causing cuts and bruising. The man was also left with a broken nose. Both of the men then casually left the station.”

Police are now appealing for anyone who recognises the man pictured in the CCTV to come forward and help officers in their investigation.

DC Hussain added: “This was a vicious attack on a man and woman at a busy time at the station. We believe there are people at the station who may have seen something and I’d ask anyone with any information to contact police as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B2/NWA of 10/05/2011. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.