BRITISH Transport Police have released images of two men they want to speak to in relation to thefts from rail passengers.

Shortly before 1pm on October 2, an iPhone 4s was stolen from a man travelling on the TransPennine Express service from Windermere to Manchester Airport.

The theft happened as the train was between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport.

In a separate incident, a Jimmy Choo handbag was stolen from a passenger travelling on board a Virgin Trains service between Carlisle and Oxenholme shortly before 3.30pm on October 11.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Rainey said: “Theft has no place on the rail network and we are doing all we can to deter criminals from targeting passengers, as well as tracing those who continue to break the law.

“But we need assistance from the public and I am calling on anyone with information about these four thefts to come forward.

"I particularly want to hear from anyone who recognises those in the CCTV images.”

If you can help in any way please contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In all calls please quote log NWA/B17 of 6/12/13.