Train driver '˜verbally abused' by passenger who entered his cab at Bognor station

Transport police has confirmed it is investigating reports that a train driver was verbally abused by a member of public, who reportedly entered his cab at Bognor Regis station.
The incident happened at Bognor Regis station on the 6.41am service to London VictoriaThe incident happened at Bognor Regis station on the 6.41am service to London Victoria
The incident happened at Bognor Regis station on the 6.41am service to London Victoria

The incident happened yesterday, Monday, January 16, on the 6.41am Southern train from Bognor to London Victoria.

In a statement a spokesman for British Transport Police (BTP) said: “An incident was reported to police following an altercation at Bognor Regis station this morning, Monday, after a train driver was verbally abused by a member of public.

“The incident was reported to police at 7.56am.”

British Transport Police is investigatingBritish Transport Police is investigating
British Transport Police is investigating
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A male passenger is said to have entered the cab of the train as it waited to leave Bognor station.

Aslef called the incident a ‘serious breach of safety’.

The rail union said the passenger swore at the driver and demanded to know why it wasn’t moving.

It said the incident left the driver upset and worried for his own personal safety.

The incident resulted in the service being cancelled.

A spokesman for Southern’s operator Govia Thameslink Railway said: “An incident took place on the train which appears to involve a passenger entering the driver’s cab.

“This resulted in the cancellation of the service.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The rail company has been dogged by many months of strikes, called first by the RMT and more recently joined by Aslef, over changes to the role of conductors which would see drivers operate the doors.

BTP have asked people who were at Bognor station at the time of yesterday morning’s incident and have any information to call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, citing reference 77 of 16/01/17.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.bognor.co.uk/

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BognorRegisObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @BogObserver

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Bognor Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.