A 54-year-old woman was showered with a fire extinguisher and pulled to the ground in what police have described as a 'particularly nasty' assault on a train to Hartford, Northwich.

British Transport Police have released a CCTV image of a man they believe can help with their investigation.

The assault happened on a train between Runcorn and Hartford just before 9.30pm on December 19 after the victim had asked a group of raucous men and women who were chanting rude and insulting songs to tone it down.

In response, one of the group went into the vestibule, took the on-board fire extinguisher and showered the victim with it. After the woman walked off he approached her again and showered her with the fire extinguisher a second time.

When she tried to confront him, she was pulled to the ground by the group of women travelling with him, before both the victim and the group left the train at Hartford.

'Acts like this will not be tolerated'

Investigating officer PC Paul Whittaker said: “This was a particularly nasty incident which was incredibly frightening for the victim. Acts of violence and intimidation like this will not be tolerated. Everyone has the right to travel in safety and without fear."

Officers have managed to isolate a CCTV image of a man they believe will have information about the incident.

If you know the man pictured, or have any information about the incident, call the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference PSUB/B8 of 20/01/2016.

Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.