A passenger was forced to flee a train after a would-be robber threatened to burn him with a cigarette.
The victim was grabbed from behind and threatened with a lit cigarette by a thug wanting cash on a late-night train from Liverpool Street to Southend.
Detectives today released CCTV images of a man and woman they want to speak to over the attempted robbery on Monday, June 1, at 12.15am.
Detective Constable David Bishop, of the British Transport Police, said: “Shortly before the train arrived at Rochford station, a 30-year-old man was approached by a woman who engaged him in conversation.
“While they chatted, he was suddenly accosted from behind by a man who threatened him with a lit cigarette and demanded money.
“The victim attempted to leave the train as it pulled into Rochford but was physically prevented by the man.
“He activated the passenger alarm and was able to leave when the train driver came to assist.”
Anyone with information should contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting E/B13 of 19/06/2015, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
