TRANSPORT cops are investigating an incident in which a man was threatened with a knife during an attempted robbery on a train near Alvechurch.

Detectives from British Transport Police (BTP) have released CCTV images of three men they want to speak to about the incident, which took place on March 4.

Detective Constable Daniel Hart said: “Shortly after 2pm, a 20-year-old man, from Redditch, boarded a London Midland train at Birmingham New Street. He was travelling alone and sat in the front carriage.

“Shortly after the train left Alvechurch, three men approached him and demanded he hand over his mobile phone.

"When he refused, one of the men produced a knife. The victim continued to refuse to hand over his property and the trio left the train empty handed at Redditch.”

Detectives are treating the incident as attempted robbery and have been reviewing CCTV footage from trains and stations, which led to the release of the images of the three men.

DC Hart added: “I am urgently trying to identify the three men pictured, as I believe they have crucial information about what happened. If you know who they are, please get in touch with BTP.”

Inspector Stuart Middlemas, from BTP, said: “Crime on Britain’s rail network has fallen for the past 10 years in a row and I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare.

"We will always fully investigate all reports of knife crime and do all we can to bring offenders to justice through the courts."

Anyone with information is asked to call BTP on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference M/B12 of 26/03/2015.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To report an incident on the railway text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.