Officers from British Transport Police said a 17-year-old girl was threatened and verbally abused by a passenger on the 3.31pm Northern Rail train on Tuesday.

When the train guard intervened, he was also subjected to a torrent of abuse.

Investigating officer, Pc Pete Shaw, said: "The suspect, who has been described as a male, of oriental appearance, aged approximately 27 to 30 years old, wearing a black jacket, jeans and white T-shirt, hurled continual abuse and made threats to kill both the passenger and conductor.

"This type of threatening behaviour is totally unacceptable," the officer said.

"The conductor ejected the suspect from the train at Mirfield, but it is understood he may have been attempting to travel to Ravensthorpe.

"Both victims were left extremely distressed by this man's behaviour and I would urge anyone with any information that could assist our investigation to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111