British Transport Police - North

If anyone has any information that can help find 25-year-old Cao Xuan Tuan who has been missing from the Harrogate area since Thursday 29 February. Please contact South Yorkshire Police.

Missing person appeal❗

We’re issuing an urgent appeal to find 25-year-old Cao Xuan Tuan who has been missing from the Harrogate area since Thursday 29 February. He is Asian, with short straight black hair, brown eyes and around 5 foot 6” tall.

We’re growing increasingly concerned for Cao’s welfare and are asking for anyone who may have seen him, or knows where he is, to contact us immediately.

Cao if you are reading this, please get in touch with someone, we just want to know that you are safe.

If you believe you have seen Cao, or have information that could assist police, please contact us as a matter of urgency by calling 101. If you know his immediate whereabouts, please call 999.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12240041667 when passing information.

This is Colin Damien Faulke. He’s been jailed for three and a half years after he threatened to kill a 16 year old boy unless he handed over his phone.

Faulke, aged 53, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and must also pay a victim surcharge of £228.

On Sunday 3 December last year, Faulke’s teenage victim was waiting in the shelter at Carlisle station watching Netflix on his phone. He saw Faulke leave the train on the opposite platform and thought his behaviour seemed weird.

While on the phone to his mother the boy was approached by Faulke who began swearing and threatening to kill him unless he handed over his phone. The boy refused before becoming concerned that Faulke may have a weapon and ran off to his workplace, reporting the incident to his boss who in turn called the police.

An officer attended the station shortly afterwards with a description of the offender and spotted Faulke immediately.

He was arrested for attempted robbery and in police interview admitted the offence claiming that he wouldn’t have killed the teen but he would have taken his phone.

Investigating officer DC Dominic Wilcox said: “Cowardly Faulke spotted his opportunity when he saw a young lad waiting alone for his train and decided to try his luck and threaten him into handing over his phone.

“Although scared for his safety the boy stood his ground before running away and reporting what had happened.

“The swift report meant that an officer could be despatched to the platform before Faulke attempted to leave.

“If you experience or witness a crime on the railway, I urge you to report it to 61016 or via the Railway Guardian app. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

This week we launched our third crisis triage car – a 12-month pilot funded and run with Network Rail, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
The service will run five days a week, covering mainly Greater Manchester but extending to Chorley, Warrington, Buxton and Macclesfield.

The car is driven by a British Transport Police officer accompanied by a senior mental health practitioner when attending mental health crisis incidents on the rail network.
The practitioner will support and assess the person before signposting or referring them to the best service for their needs ensuring they have a positive experience and maintaining their dignity.

Chief Inspector James Mitchell said: “Our aim is to work with partners to enhance and improve the way we respond to people in crisis. It builds on the success of two other schemes in Liverpool and on the West Coast Main Line between Preston and Crewe. Not only are we providing better care for the individual, it also means our officers can get back on the frontline where we’re needed at the earliest opportunity, helping us police more effectively and protect vulnerable people.’

To access mental health support in an emergency, call your local crisis mental health helpline (freephone 24/7):
o 0800 014 9995 (Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, and Tameside)
o 0800 953 0285 (Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Wigan)

This is Cameron Gatherar and Stephen Manjelo.
The two 20 year olds have been jailed today for a total of four years and eight months after they stabbed a group of friends on a works night out in Newcastle city centre.

Manjelo, of Belford Avenue, Shiremoor, North Tyneside and Gatherar, of Mowbray Street, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, both pleaded guilty to two counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of actual bodily harm.
Gatherar also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a bladed article.

Manjelo was jailed for two years and three months while Gatherar was handed a two and a half year sentence at Newcastle Crown Court.

The court heard how, in the early hours of Friday 30 December 2022, a group of young people on a works night out encountered Manjelo and Gatherar as they walked past the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle.

The first victim, who was walking ahead of the group, was confronted by Manjelo who asked if he wanted to be stabbed. He then saw Gatherar remove something from a bag before he was cut to the neck.

On seeing the attack, the second victim attempted to separate his friend from the attackers, but was attacked himself and stabbed in the neck and back of the head.

The third victim attempted to diffuse the situation only to be stabbed three times – once to the right side of his face/neck, once to the bottom of his cheek which entered his gum, and once to the back of his neck by his hairline.

The three victims, all aged in their late teens and early twenties at the time of the attack, have been left with varying degrees of trauma from the incident.

Manjelo and Gatherar were both arrested shortly after the incident as they walked through Newcastle city centre. When the pair were searched Gatherar was found to be carrying a flick knife.

Investigating officer DC Michelle Clark said: "The impact on these three, previously happy go lucky young men, has been catastrophic.
"One in particular, the youngest of the group who was only 18 at the time of the attack, continues to struggle with his studies and feels he can no longer go out in his hometown.
"He continues to have flashbacks and his physical injuries have left him with significant nerve damage in his face.

“Knife crime continues to blight society and we are constantly working with other forces to concentrate our resources on removing them from society, and saving lives in the process.
"We are committed to keeping the public safe and removing deadly weapons and those who carry them from the rail network.”

All this week we’ve been celebrating the great work carried out by our Neighbourhood Policing teams across the Force – engaging with passengers and stakeholders, problem-solving with partners and providing a visible presence on trains and at stations.

Our NPT officers, PCSOs and specials do a superb job alongside our volunteers and cadets – working together, and with partners, to tackle the issues that matter to you - building trust and confidence and reducing the likelihood of people coming to harm. They play a key role in reassuring the public, deterring crime, gathering intelligence and protecting vulnerable people.

The Week of Action is an opportunity to showcase the excellent work that’s happening all year round across the network. From school rail safety talks, youth engagement initiatives and cycle-marking surgeries to targeted patrols to deter robbery, trespass and antisocial behaviour, our NPT teams are making a difference every day.


We hope we've given you an insight into the brilliant work happening across the Force including lots of public engagement to provide crime prevention advice and promote text 61016 and our Railway Guardian app.

Drugs ops, school visits and bike marking are just some of the things your Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been up to so far this week, working across England, Wales and Scotland.
PD Ash joined the team at Crewe where he helped out on a joint operation with Cheshire Police and our specialist units.

We all work together to stamp out criminality on the railway network and keep you safe.

No job is too big or too small, we're out and about helping prevent crime by offering free bike marking sessions and educating the new generation about how to stay safe on the network.

Say hello if you spot us - we're always up for a chat - we've got lots to talk about - our discreet 61016 text number and the Railway Guardian app for a start, but we also want to hear from you about any concerns you have.

policing

All in a day's work!

Yesterday, our Neighbourhood Policing Teams across three countries carried out their usual duties.

But the truth is there's no 'usual' day for us as no day is ever the same as the last - we deal with whatever and wherever. If it happens on the railway or on a train - who you gonna call or text? Us, that's who.

Our frontline teams are always available to help, whether it's on the railway or a train. In England, Scotland, and Wales, officers visited primary schools to educate children about railway safety. They also conducted joint patrols with other forces and identified an offender for a racially aggravated offence.

Additionally, we assisted a juvenile in need of mental health assessment and helped a homeless person find support and shelter. We're always here to help with any issue.

Need us? Text 61016. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Welcome to the neighbourhood 🤗

Whether you regularly commute to get to work or just use the rail network now and again did you know that from the moment you set foot into a station or board a train in England, Wales and Scotland you become part of our neighbourhood.

Just like the neighbourhood where you live might have bars, shops and fast food outlets the only difference is that the biggest part of our neighbourhood - you - are constantly on the move.

But wherever you are on the network we're constantly looking out for you and ready to help if you need us.

Our neighbourhood policing teams take care of everything from bike marking and preventing retail theft to helping the vulnerable and delivering life saving first aid in emergency situations.

They are also our frontline crime busters, with eyes and ears everywhere to prevent and deter s*x offences, hate crime and violence on the network, putting themselves in harms way when necessary, all to protect you.

So whether you're station or train staff, work in retail, bars or restaurants, if you're a cleaner, security officer or a passenger wanting to get from A to B, every time you find yourself in a station or on a train we're looking out for you.

As part of Neighbourhood Policing week of action which runs until Friday we’ll be joining police forces up and down the country to celebrate and highlight the vital work that our NPT teams, PCSOs and volunteers do to protect the public and reduce crime.

Look out for our posts all week and see what your neighbourhood teams have been up to.

A hate crime is when someone commits a crime against you because of your perceived disability, race, religion, s*xual orientation or transgender identity.

This doesn’t just mean physical violence. Someone using offensive language towards you or harassing you because of who you are (or who they think you are), is also a crime.

As is someone posting abusive or offensive messages about you online.

If you are the victim of a hate crime, report it:
📲Download Railway Guardian https://onelink.to/rgsoc
💬Text 61016
💻Report online
🆘Call 999 in an emergency

Everyone has the right to travel safely, and no one should be targeted because of who they are.

If you're a victim of or witness to a hate crime, we urge you to report it to us.

Either text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40. Always call 999 in an emergency.

For guides, support, journey sharing, and ways to report, download the Railway Guardian app: https://onelink.to/rgsoc

This is James Walker.
He's been jailed for 18 months after he subjected a lone female to a hideous s*x attack on board a train to Liverpool.

The depraved assault was only halted when a brave fellow passenger, also a lone female, intervened.

Walker, aged 35, of Grafton Street, Liverpool, denied the offences but was found guilty of s*xual assault and exposure at a trial and sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court.

In addition to the prison sentence he was also made the subject of a 10 year s*xual harm prevention order and must pay a victim surcharge of £156.

The court heard how on 14 August 2021, Walker boarded a service to Liverpool at Wigan and sat next to the victim.

He then carried out a sustained s*xual assault on the woman who attempted to fight him off and repeatedly asked him to stop.

Undeterred by her obvious distress he then exposed himself at her and forcibly made s*xual advances.

It was at this point that another female passenger who was also travelling alone, saw what was happening and intervened, telling Walker to leave the victim alone and es**rting her to another seat where she remained with her.

Walker then approached both the women and sat down, with the witness blocking him from getting any closer to the victim, until he eventually moved away and left the service at Edge Hill.

Investigating officer DS Stephen Kite said: "This was a hideous s*xual assault which left the victim understandably traumatised. Over two years later she continues to struggle with what happened that evening.

"Despite her protestations Walker continued with his vile attack until a brave bystander found the courage to speak up and help the victim. We commend her bravery and that of the victim in reporting what happened.

"Walker's disgusting and reprehensible actions have landed him behind bars and with a SHPO which will help prevent other potential victims of his depraved behaviour.

“If you experience s*xual harassment, we want you to report it . No incident is small or trivial.

"Download the Railway Guardian app here https://onelink.to/rgpress before you travel and remember you can text 61016 to report anything that makes you uncomfortable."

Heading back from the Grimsby Town match by train on Saturday?

Our officers will be taking robust action against trouble makers after several incidents occurred following a recent Grimsby Town football match.

We’ll be stepping up patrols for Grimsby Town's away day fixture at Bradford.

A number of people have been identified and are being investigated for public order offences after drunken and abusive behaviour broke out on board a train from Grimsby to Nottingham following the Grimsby Town match on Saturday August 12.

Investigations continue to identify the remaining suspects.

Increased high visibility and covert patrols will be taking place on key routes in a bid to deter further incidents.

Sergeant Bob Smith said: "Anti social behaviour will never be tolerated - whether football related or not. Incidents like these make other passengers intimidated and fearful of their safety - the railway is for everyone not just the few.

"We know many football fans simply want to travel home safely after enjoying their team play but a small minority insist on making the journey uncomfortable for everyone else.

"We will be stepping up patrols to deter any repeat of the recent disorder and to reassure passengers that we will be ready to step in and swiftly deal with anyone who behaves in an anti social manner."

Linda Lawson was on her way home from her trip to Cologne when her suitcase was stolen. Among other things, the suitcase contained a priceless item, a teddy bear that was a gift from her late husband.

As the train arrived at Doncaster she glanced over to check on her case and saw it was still there. But when the guard blew the whistle she glanced again and it had gone.

She immediately ran to the train door and alerted the station guard who stopped the train from leaving and she got off.

British Transport Police searched both platforms with no sign of the thief. But when they checked CCTV, they saw that he had taken the case into a waiting room before boarding a train to Sheffield.

Much to his surprise, BTP officers were waiting at Sheffield to arrest him and retrieve the case.

PC Rob Simpson handed over the case in person to Mrs Lawson the following day.

He said: "It was thanks in no small part to Mrs Lawson constantly keeping her eye on her luggage that we were able to act immediately when she reported it stolen. This and the fact that her case was very distinctive and had a ribbon threaded through the handle there was no mistaking that it was her property when we spotted the suspect with the case.”

Mrs Lawson said: "I cannot thank PC Simpson enough. I couldn't have asked for more from British Transport Police and all the rail staff at the station - they comforted me, put me on a train home and reassured me they had my case with everything inside and would personally reunite me with it. The thought of losing the bear my husband gave me was too much. I am so grateful he's back home with me.

"My late husband always told me to keep an eye on my belongings so I think he probably prompted me to take a look - thankfully I did and realised that in just seconds my case had gone."

The Railway Guardian app has travel advice including the tactics used by thieves to take your personal items. Download the app and search ‘Be Aware’ to learn more: http://onelink.to/rgsoc

Has an officer or member of staff at British Transport Police gone above and beyond for you?

Did their actions make a real impact on your life – even though the circumstances you met them under were one of the toughest days?

If so, we’d love you to nominate them for our annual “Us At Our Best” awards – being held later this year.

If you’d like to nominate someone for the 'Victim Care' award, please email your nomination with an account of your experience to [email protected]

Thousands of spectators from all over the country are about to head to Merseyside for the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool which starts this Sunday and we'll be on hand to make sure everyone enjoys a safe journey.

Inspector Lakhveer Singh who is co-ordinating BTP operations for the event, said: “We're extremely experienced in policing large numbers of people travelling by train to sporting events. Our planning has been ongoing for many months and we have been working closely with our rail industry partners and Merseyside Police colleagues to ensure The Open Championship passes without incident and everyone can enjoy this tremendous event.

“Officers will be highly visible at main hub stations and will be carrying out more on-train patrols to make sure everyone attending can get there safely, securely and on time, and home again, as well as to help re-assure all passengers and rail staff."

Those using the rail network to travel to the event are advised to plan ahead, leave plenty of time for their journey and follow social media for travel advice.

Inspector Singh added: “We want everyone to enjoy The Open. However, we ask that you act responsibly and respect others travelling by train, who may or may not be travelling to watch the golf.
“We look forward to seeing everyone who is travelling by train to what is going to be a very special event.”
If you need to contact British Transport Police phone 0800 40 50 40 or you can text 61016. In an emergency dial 999.

We’re ready to Sparkle in Manchester this weekend as we proudly support the world’s largest celebration of gender identity.
Just as in previous years we've been working hard to make sure visitors can travel to the event on the railway in safety and without fear.

Every year we start planning our policing operation months in advance to make sure it meets the needs of the thousands of travelling public who head to Sparkle.
And this year is no different – we’ll have extra police patrols at key city centre stations – look out for our stand at Manchester Piccadilly station.
This year we're also asking visitors to download our Railway Guardian app where you can report crime but also pick up handy tips to help you keep safe.

As well as welcoming visitors into Manchester we'll also be carrying out late night patrols on the network.

Please download the Railway Guardian app and save our 61016 text number to your phone both of which can be used to discreetly report something that concerns you while on a train or at a station. You don’t have to be the victim of abuse to use it – if you see it happening to another person we need to know about it so we can do something.

We can't wait to Sparkle with you this weekend so if you spot us please say hello.

Getting the train to Sparkle - The National Transgender Charity in Manchester this weekend?

Uniformed and plain clothes officers will be out across the weekend to keep you safe while you travel.

For further help at hand when you travel, download Railway Guardian.

You can:
👮Report crimes or concerns
📍Share journeys with trusted contacts
📕Find guides and support

📲https://onelink.to/rgsoc

Recognise this man?

Detectives investigating a s*xual assault onboard a Liverpool train believe he may have information that could help their enquiries.

Shortly before 5.30pm on Tuesday, 9 May, the victim offered to help assist a man in a wheelchair and a female accompanying him as they disembarked a service travelling from Waterloo to Liverpool Central Railway Station.

The female suggested that if the victim could es**rt the man from the train then she would take the wheelchair.

As the victim attempted to guide the man from the train he s*xually assaulted her.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 495 of 09/05/23. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hurrah - we made it to Friday!!!!! So, let's end the week with some good news.

Officers from our Manchester Neighbourhood Policing Team met some new friends this week at a special interactive justice event in Salford.

Organised by the Magistrates Association and the High Sheriff for Greater Manchester Mary-Liz Walker, around 160 schoolchildren gained a fascinating insight into law and order and how the justice system works.

The youngsters took part in a mock trial, taking on the roles of defendant, prosecution and defence before learning more about policing.

Our officers briefed them on what we do and gave them the chance to try on our kit for size.

PC Molly Brunton-Cole said: "Events like these are incredibly important and allow children to get hands on learning about policing and justice.

The mock trial was a real hit as was the opportunity to try on our kit and learn about some of the aspects of our job."

This is Peter Quinn
The 32-year-old has been jailed for four and half months after he assaulted a member of Boots staff at Manchester Piccadilly station who had caught him shoplifting.

Quinn, of Moston Bank Avenue, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop and assault and was sentenced to 18 weeks in jail by Manchester and Salford Magistrates.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £153.99.

The court heard how, on Tuesday 30 May at around 6.30am, Quinn stole two boxes of razor blades from Boots on Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station concourse.

When the staff member attempted to stop him leaving the store Quinn lashed out, punching him with force to the side of his head, causing him to fall to the floor and lose consciousness.

The victim was left shaken and attended hospital to be checked over by medics.

Investigating officer PC Brandon Fairbrother-Clarke said: "Quinn showed no remorse for this violent assault on a member of staff who was simply doing his job.”

"Violence and abuse of retail staff will not be tolerated and those who, like Quinn, think station staff are fair game, will be dealt with robustly and brought before the courts."

Can you help us identify this man?

Officers investigating a person carrying a machete at Manchester Piccadilly station believe the man in the CCTV image could have useful information which could help with their enquiries.

At around 10am on Sunday 30 April, a man dropped a large machete as he approached the station's Piccadilly Approach entrance.

Despite first returning to retrieve the weapon, he decided against it when he realised onlookers had witnessed him drop the machete.

If you recognise him or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 with reference 193 of 30/04/23. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Do you recognise this man?

Detectives investigating an assault believe he may have information that could assist their enquiries.

At around 10pm on Saturday 29 April, on board a train travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport, the victim was assaulted by a man who was accompanied by a woman.

The victim suffered bruising to the head, a cut lip and a broken front tooth.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 834 of 29/04/23.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Recognise this man?

Officers investigating a knifepoint robbery at Formby Railway Station believe he could have information that will assist their enquiries.

Shortly after 3pm on Thursday 18 May, a man approached the victim and threatened him with a knife unless he handed over his bike.

If you recognise him or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 with reference 397-18/05/2023. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This is 29-year-old John Finney.
He’s been jailed for 24 weeks after he produced this knife on board a train.

On Sunday 30 April, British Transport Police received a call via radio that a man had been reported carrying a large knife on a train that was due to arrive at Blackpool North station.

A passenger had reported the incident after he had sat next to Finney who lifted his top to show him the handle of a large knife.

Alarmed but not wanting to panic Finney, he made conversation with him, asking him about his journey.

Finney then again lifted his top and this time pulled out the knife, which had a 10 inch blade, from his trousers, and started waving it around.

The passenger left the train at the next stop and immediately contacted police who met the train at Blackpool North station and arrested Finney.

Finney, of Dudley Road, Kingswinford pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and was jailed by Blackpool Magistrates.

Investigating officer PC Rachel Bond said: "There is absolutely no legitimate reason to carry a potentially deadly weapon in a public place. Thankfully, with Finney's arrest and jail time another knife has been removed from the streets and the rail network.

"Praise must be given to the brave passenger who remained calm through his interaction with Finney and obtained enough information to pass onto officers the moment he left the train.

"Knives are a blight on our community and together with colleagues from other forces we constantly work to remove them from society, saving lives in the process.

"We are committed to keeping the public safe and removing deadly weapons from the rail network.

"If you spot anything suspicious on the rail network you can text us on 61016. In an emergency always call 999."

Budding new recruits got to try out our kit for size last week and learn first hand from officers about how we keep the railway safe.

The Cambridge Street Methodist Church Brownies from Accrington were welcomed to Community Rail Lancashire’s educational hub to meet BTP Lancashire officers.

We hope we’ve inspired a new generation of officers with real passion for railway safety.

This is James Owen.
He’s been jailed for s*xually assaulting a young girl on board a train.

Owen, aged 28, of Poulton Road, Poulton, Wirral, had previously pleaded guilty to s*xual assault by touching and was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday 7 June at Liverpool Crown Court.

On Thursday 10 June 2021, the victim, who was 17 at the time, boarded a train at Bidston station with two friends.
Owen also boarded the service and sat across from the group, engaging them in conversation.

He then touched the victim intimately before she pushed him away and ran to inform the conductor who ejected Owen from the service and arranged alternative transport for the shaken victim and her friends.

He was identified from an alias he gave to one of the group and was arrested.

Investigating officer DS Stephen Kite said: "This was an extremely distressing incident for the victim who has shown great bravery throughout the investigation.

"Owen deliberately and unashamedly violated her and showed no remorse for the ordeal she suffered.

"His repugnant behaviour has rightly landed him behind bars.

“No one should be made to feel threatened whilst travelling on the rail network and we are actively taking serious action against s*xual offenders.

“I urge anyone who experiences or witnesses s*xual harassment or a s*xual offence on the railway to report it to BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. We will always take you seriously.”