A TICKET inspector at Huntingdon rail station was assaulted by a woman trying to board a train with a child’s ticket.

British Transport Police has issued a CCTV image of a woman they wish to speak with after the assault.

Officers are looking to identify the woman pictured as part of an ongoing enquiry into the incident, which occurred around 10am on Tuesday, May 18, on the concourse at Huntingdon station.

Investigating officer, PC Chris Thompson-Chambers, said the incident took place after a woman attempted to pass through the ticket barrier using an invalid ticket.

He said: “The ticket inspector stopped the woman and asked to see her ticket, at which point she showed him a child’s ticket.

“When the staff member advised the woman that she was not eligible for travel and would need to pay the difference in price, she became verbally abusive.”

After swearing and shouting, the woman went on to push the victim before attempting to snatch her ticket back.

Before leaving the station the woman then slapped the 33-year-old victim’s hand, causing him to drop his mobile phone, which broke as a result.

“This was an unnecessary and unjustified attack on a member of staff who was simply trying to do his job,” added PC Thompson-Chambers.

“Everyone has the right to work without the fear or threat of violence and I would therefore encourage anyone with any information, or who recognises the woman pictured, to contact us.”

INFORMATION: The woman is described as being around 18-years-old and approximately 5’4” tall.

CONTACT: Anyone who has any information is asked to contact British Transport Police on free phone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 167 of 18/05/2010.