Did you witness this incident?
Police are hunting a group of loudmouths who used racist language as they talked about a fight when they travelled on a train between Wimbledon and Hampton Wick.
The incident, reported to British Transport Police by concerned passengers, is said to have taken place around 7pm on Wednesday, 2 January.
PC Jonathan Prettejohns, the investigating officer, would like to speak to anyone with information about the incident, which saw the group talking about a fight and using racist language.
He said: "We've launched an investigation following a report that a group of four men, travelling on the 6.13pm Waterloo to Shepperton service, used foul and racist language as they discussed details of an earlier altercation.
"This must have been an intimidating experience for other passengers, who were forced to listen to the group's offensive and derogatory language.
"During the disorder a passenger stepped in to try and calm the situation but received verbal abuse in return."
The men involved are white and are thought to be aged between 22 and 30-years-old. They were drinking alcohol at the time and were seen leaving the train at Kingston.
Officers are currently following a number of avenues of enquiry, including viewing CCTV footage from the train and speaking with witnesses.
PC Prettejohns believes that anyone travelling on the service at the time could have information to assist the investigation. He said: "This happened in the third carriage from the front of the train, which was busy at the time. If you saw something or have any information that could help, please come forward and speak to us.
"We take all allegations of racism seriously and we will do everything we can to bring those involved to justice."
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting B2/LSA of 17/01/2013. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
January 17, 2013