THUGS shoved a man on to the railway lines at a busy station.

The 30-year-old from Bolton suffered a broken arm in the attack, which happened at Deansgate station, Manchester, on Saturday, September 5.

He was standing on the platform at around 10pm when he was targeted.

Details of the incident were released yesterday by the British Transport Police who are appealing for witnesses.

Det Con Craig Halpin said: “The victim was approached by two men who appeared to be under the impression that he had shouted at them.

“One of the men then pushed him onto the tracks, dislocating his left elbow and fracturing his arm in three places.

“Thankfully, the victim was able to get off the tracks before a train approached the station.”

The two men fled and officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact police.

Both men were white, aged in their early twenties, around 5ft 8ins tall, stocky with short hair. One of the men had patterns shaved into the side of his head.

Police are also keen to speak to a woman who the victim was speaking to before the incident occurred.

She was white, around 20-years-old, 5ft 6ins tall and is also believed to be from Bolton. She was wearing a dark-coloured long-sleeved top and trousers with flat shoes.

Det Con Halpin added: “This was a vicious attack. It was very fortunate the victim was able to get off the tracks before a train came into the station, otherwise the consequences of this incident could have been much worse.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could help the police investigation to contact us.”

Contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number E01/116275/2009. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.