AN AGGRESSIVE man who spat on and threatened rail passengers on a train heading to Bolton is wanted by British Transport Police.

The man is said to have threatened a couple during an argument over a reserved seat on the train between Manchester Victoria and Bolton at about 11pm on Saturday, November 9.

The couple, who were travelling to Bolton, boarded the busy train at Manchester Victoria.

A 20-year-old woman asked a man if a seat near to him was free and, thinking he said yes, sat down.

But the man and his wife then claimed the seat had been reserved and he started to become "agitated and aggressive", according to police.

He then theatened the couple and spat on the woman.

PC Walker said: “As the journey continued the man became more agitated and aggressive and made the victim feel extremely uncomfortable.

“The man then threatened the victim's boyfriend and squared up to him.

“This behaviour continued until Bolton and the offender continued to threaten both the victim and her boyfriend and, at one point, spat in the victim’s face.

“The whole incident lasted more than 20 minutes and only ended when the victim left the train at Bolton."

Police believe the man travelled onto Blackburn and have released an image of a man wanted in connection with the incident.

PC Walker added: “I am convinced the man in the image has vital information about the incident and I call on anyone who recognises him to come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.