Search for woman after Metro worker assaulted for telling passenger to wear face mask

The suspect became “argumentative” when approached by the employee

The police have released an image of the woman they are trying to track down in connection with the incident (Northumbria Police)

Police are searching for a woman after a Metro worker who told a passenger to wear a face mask was assaulted.

The incident took place on 19 October, but now police have issued an image of a woman in a bid to track her down.

Last month, the member of staff on the Metro operator Nexus was assaulted after insisting a passenger wear a face mask, according to Northumbria Police.

The assault took place just after 7:40am at Chichester Metro Station with police stating that the woman had become “argumentative” with the Nexus employee, who had reminded the passenger that she was legally required to wear a mask.

The suspect then pushed the victim using both her hands, causing him to fall backwards down onto the floor.

A spokesperson for Nexus said: “Assaults on staff will not be tolerated and we urge anyone with information about this incident to get in contact with the police.

“Face coverings are mandatory on all modes of public transport, unless someone has a legitimate exemption. This rule is there to keep us all safe from Covid-19 while making essential journeys."

The victim was not injured but the police launched an investigation to trace the suspect.

The officers said they have now located a woman that was in the station at the time who they would like to speak to concerning the incident.

The spokesperson added: “Our frontline staff have the right to go to work and not have to put up with incidents like this when they’re just doing their job.”

The woman or anyone who recognises her have been asked to contact the police with any information.