Video footage of events that took place prior to a horrific attack by thugs on a Merseyrail worker has been posted online.
Footage recorded on a mobile phone emerged showing a group of around six boys intimidating, kicking and chasing two members of train staff in Formby Train Station. British Transport Police said they received a report of a rail staff assault at the station at 7.37pm on Sunday, April 3.
The new footage shows a confrontation between the by-law enforcement officer and the boys before the attack took place. The video begins with the group blocking the guard from leaving, and claiming he was "throwing digs", before the chase began.
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The gang can be heard shouting over each other in the video saying: "Slow digs...", "you little muppet...", "It is on your body cam...", "you were throwing digs...", before the officer responds saying that "you were in my face obviously". The argument continues with reference to the body cam before one of the gang warns the officer to "turn you body cam off".
The by-law officer continued by saying to the gang that they "were blocking the doors". He tried to diffuse the situation by telling them that he "doesn't have to explain himself" as the incident is "all on camera" as he pointed towards his bodycam, a member of the gang is then heard saying "turn it off and we will see what happens".
After this video takes place the gang chase the by-law officer and a Merseyrail worker up the stairs, which eventually leads to the two having to hide in a disabled toilet. British Transport Police Superintendent David Rams, replied to a worried social media user on Twitter to reassure them an investigation would be launched.
Supt Rams 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."
