An attack on workers at Formby Train Station has provoked an angry reaction from the public.
The mobile phone footage, widely shared on social media, shows a group of yobs dressed in black pursuing two workers at Formby station. British Transport Police said they received a report of a rail staff assault at the station at 7.37pm on April 3.
The disturbing footage shows a station security guard and another member of staff trying to run away from the boys. One of the teens can be heard saying "get off our station lad" as they intimidate the men.
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The gang backed the security guard into a corner at the station entrance where they tried to kick him again. Both staff members managed to secure themselves behind a locked door.
Now ECHO readers have voiced their dismay at the footage.
Ian Wilson said: "Is this really what this country has come to. When you can’t go work and do your job. It’s disgusting." Sharon Higham said: "Sickening for the poor staff and passengers, when will this country start to get a grub of this behaviour, it’s so out of control."
Clair Sajewicz said: "Absolutely disgraceful behaviour. Really frightening that they think their behaviour is acceptable." Michelle Kelly said: "Parents should be ashamed. If it was mine I would ring police myself on them."
Paula Smart: "This country is getting worse. We need more police with more rights, trouble is the tory government has cut police numbers. Seen police stations with opening hours just beyond belief."
Averil Mitchell: "Trouble is they know if you hit them back then you are prosecuted so all you can do is run so they win every time."
British Transport Police Superintendent David Ram said: "This is completely unacceptable and I will make sure an investigation is launched. It isn't a police officer it is a member of security. Still appalling behaviour."
A spokesperson for British Transport Police (BTP) said today enquiries remain ongoing into this incident. Merseyside Police also said BTP have launched an investigation with their "support" and confirmed the individuals in the video were rail staff and not a police officer.
A spokesperson for BTP told the ECHO: "British Transport Police received a report at 7.37pm on Sunday, April 3 of a rail staff assault at Formby railway station.
"We are aware of footage showing this incident being circulated on social media and enquiries remain ongoing.
"Any witnesses, or anyone with video footage of the incident, are urged to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 531 of 3 April.
"Officers are conducting increased patrols in the area following the incident."
Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, moved to reassure the public that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated by the rail service and it is working closely with BTP to catch the culprits.
He said "We are aware of an incident at Formby station on Sunday evening in which staff were attacked by a group of youths.
"While incidents of this nature are extremely rare on our network, I want to reassure the public that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and we are working closely with the British Transport Police to identify those involved to ensure that they can be held accountable for their actions. "
