Witness appeal after a disabled man was verbally abused on a train

British Transport Police are appealing for information after  a disabled man was verbally abused by a group of Hibs’ supporters on a train travelling between Carntyne and Glasgow Queen Street stations.

The incident happened around 12.30pm on Saturday, 27 February 2016 after the 51-year old victim, who walks with the aid of two sticks, boarded a Helensburgh-bound train at Carntyne station.

He asked the group of football  supporters, believed to be travelling to watch Hibs play Dumbarton in an SPFL match, if he could sit on a seat designated for disabled passengers.

After initially refusing they allowed him to sit down. As he alighted from the train at Glasgow Queen Street, the group verbally abused him – making references to his disability.

Constable John Paul O’Kane, the British Transport Police officer in charge of the enquiry, is appealing for anyone with information regarding the identity of those responsible to contact him. He said:

“Hate crime in any form is totally unacceptable and there really is nothing that excuses such behaviour from the group of Hibs supporters.”

British Transport Police can be contacted on 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016 – quoting reference B176 of 8/3/2016.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.