Police hunt man after conductor assault at Lara station

Police are hunting a man after a daylight assault stopped a peak V/Line service. WATCH THE VIDEO

Transit police have released an image of a man they want to speak to following the assault of a V/Line conductor on Wednesday morning.

Police say a man was on a train between Geelong and Lara when the male conductor asked him to turn his music down.

“They both got off the train at Lara Railway Station about 8.30am, and following an altercation, the man punched the conductor in the face,” a police spokesman said.

“The member of staff sustained facial injuries.”

Police say the man fled the scene on foot.

The train service was suspended at Lara and all passengers were told to disembar.

Investigators have released CCTV and images of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

V/Line assault stops peak services

Police are hunting for a man who assaulted a V/Line conductor during a dramatic incident that caused major delays on Wednesday morning.

It’s understood a V/Line conductor was on board the 8.03am Melbourne-bound train from South Geelong when he was assaulted by an unknown passenger.

The train was stopped at Lara station where emergency services were waiting.

Passengers were forced off a Melbourne-bound train at Lara after a conductor was attacked. Picture: Supplied

The conductor, who sustained minor injuries, initially received care from station staff at Lara before an ambulance arrived to take them to hospital.

Lara Sergeant Glen Jones said police attended the scene, but the wanted man fled on foot before any arrests could be made.

“Inquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward,” he said.

A V/Line spokesman confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.

It’s understood support will continue to be provided to the conductor.

“V/Line has a zero-tolerance policy for anti-social behaviour and we will work with Victoria Police as part of any investigations into the incident,” the spokesman said.

“We thank passengers for their patience after they needed to change services at Lara following an incident on-board a train on Wednesday morning.”

Passengers who experience or witness anti-social behaviour on a V/Line service or at a station are urged advise staff immediately or contact triple triple-0 in an emergency.

Originally published as Police hunt man after conductor assault at Lara station