A CONDUCTOR was assaulted and thrown off a train onto a platform after becoming involved in an altercation with passengers at Bolton train station.

British Transport Police say the conductor was grabbed "by the lapels" during the incident, while it was stationary at the station in Trinity Street after the train's emergency stop had been activated.

The conductor was questioning a group of people he believed was responsible for stopping the train at the time.

The altercation took place on December 14 on the 9.29pm train from Manchester Airport to Blackpool North, at about 10.10pm.

Officers have now launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses.

PC Rebecca Swift, the investigating officer from British Transport Police, said: “The emergency stop on the service was activated, which caused the train to stop just outside Bolton.

"The conductor approached a group of men and women he believed were responsible for activating it. One of the group claimed to have accidentally leaned against it.

“The conductor then asked the group for tickets and an altercation followed, resulting in the conductor being grabbed by the lapels and pushed off the train.”

Officers are appealing for anyone who was travelling in the same carriage and who witnessed the incident to come forward to assist the investigation.

Anyone with information should call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference PSUB/B7 of 11/01/2016. Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.