Police issue pictures after rugby thugs attack dad and son on train

POLICE in Leeds have released CCTV pictures of two men wanted in connection with an attack in which a father was rugby tackled by a group of men for defending his son on a train.

It happened as the victim and his 14-year-old son were making their way home from the Leeds Rhinos v St Helens Saints Rugby league match on August 7.

The pair were sitting on the train between St. Helens and Leeds when two men accused the boy of pushing them.

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PC Berni Grogan of British Transport Police said: "The incident took place around 8.20pm when the train was approaching Dewsbury station.

"The victim, a 46-year-old from Cross Gates, Leeds, questioned the men's actions and as a result was punched in the face and rugby tackled by the pair, forcing him to the ground. As the train arrived at Dewsbury, the father was pushed off the train where he fell to the platform," she said.

The attack was only stopped when other passengers on the train intervened. The suspects left the service at Dewsbury, not but before abusively threatening the victim's son, which left him fearing for his safety.

The victim later attended Leeds General Infirmary after suffering from sharp pains in his eye.

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PC Grogan added: "We know from our enquiries so far that a number of passengers on the train kindly intervened by coming to the victim's aid which helped to stop the violent attack.

"This was a completely unprovoked assault on a father and his son who were simply trying to make their way home and anyone who recognises the men pictured are urged to come forward.

"We particularly want to hear from any passengers who intervened on the victim's behalf, or who witnessed this incident."

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident B2/NEA of 30/11/2010. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.