Preston, UK — British Transport Police (BTP) are appealing for information following a concerning incident where a man was seen tampering with the controls of a stationary train at Preston Railway Station. The incident occurred at approximately 03:20 BST on 27 July.
According to a statement from the BTP, the suspect entered the driver’s cabin of the stationary train and proceeded to manipulate various controls. This included turning off the train’s electricity and attempting to disengage the brakes, actions which could have had serious safety implications.
The force has released a CCTV image of a man they believe may have crucial information that could aid their investigation. They are urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has any relevant information to come forward.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place in the early hours of the morning when the station was relatively quiet. The man’s actions were captured on CCTV, providing investigators with a clear image of the suspect. The footage shows the man entering the driver’s cabin, a restricted area typically off-limits to the public.
Once inside, the suspect began tampering with the train’s controls. According to the BTP, he turned off the electricity, which would have shut down the train’s systems, and made an attempt to disable the brakes. While it is unclear what his intentions were, these actions posed a significant risk to the safety and security of the train and its potential passengers.
Appeal for Information
Detectives from the BTP are now appealing to the public for assistance. They have released a CCTV image of the man, hoping someone will recognize him and provide information that could lead to his identification and apprehension.
“We take incidents of this nature very seriously,” said a spokesperson for the BTP. “The safety of the public is our primary concern, and we are doing everything in our power to identify and locate the individual responsible for this reckless act.”
Witness Appeal
The BTP is asking anyone who was at Preston Railway Station around the time of the incident and may have witnessed anything suspicious to contact them. They are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who might have seen the man entering or leaving the station or acting suspiciously in the area.
“We urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch with us. Even the smallest detail could be crucial in helping us solve this case,” the spokesperson added.
How to Contact
Anyone with information is asked to contact the BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 and quoting reference number 2100078698. Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The BTP emphasizes that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. They are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the railway network and are determined to bring the perpetrator of this incident to justice.
Public Reassurance
In response to the incident, the BTP has increased patrols at Preston Railway Station and other key locations to provide reassurance to the public and deter any similar acts. They are also working closely with train operators to review security measures and prevent future incidents.
The investigation is ongoing, and the BTP remains dedicated to maintaining the safety and integrity of the UK’s railway network.
