A BUS driver was racially abused in a 'particularly nasty incident' at Carnforth train station, say police.

British Transport Police have released a picture of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the alleged incident, which they say took place at about 10.20am on Saturday April 13.

Police said the incident happened as a rail replacement bus was ready to leave the station, heading to Lancaster.

PC Allan Fernie said: “At Carnforth an elderly man boarded the bus service and, without warning or provocation, made unpleasant, racist, remarks to the bus driver and then attempted to punch him.

“This was a particularly nasty incident, directed at a bus driver who was simply trying to help rail passengers make their way from Carnforth to Lancaster – he should have been able to do this without fear of violence or aggression.”

Investigations have enabled officers to piece together the offender’s movements and isolate a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to about the incident.

PC Fernie added: “We have discovered that the offender initially travelled from Barrow to Carnforth on a rail replacement bus, so it is entirely likely that he has links to both Barrow and Lancaster.

“We have also located an image of a man we believe has information about the incident. He is wearing distinctive clothing, including what appears to be a floppy hat, and I am certain someone will recognise him.”

If you know the man in the CCTV image, or have any information about the incident, please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In all calls please quote log PSUB/B9 of 25/4/14.