TRANSPORT police are appealing for information to identify a pensioner, who allegedly assaulted a young boy on a train, by putting him in an arm lock.

Officers from the British Transport Police said they are investigating the incident after images were shared of the ‘altercation’ on social media.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The image allegedly shows the man putting the boy, who is believed to have got on the train at Blackburn with two others, into the disabling hold.

The incident reportedly happened on Friday lunchtime on the Clitheroe to Manchester service when the train was in the Bolton area, police said.

It is understood the man, thought to be in his 70s, asked the three boys, to take their feet off the seats, but they refused.

One passenger, who did not wish to be named, said the boy was ‘crying afterwards’.

The 17-year-old said the three boys, between the ages of eight to 11, allegedly had their feet on the seats when the man asked them to take them off.

“They were being quite cocky,” he said.

“The guy then threatened them with a ‘clip around the ear’ then sat back down.

“The children then put their feet back up and would not put them down. The guy then went over and tried taking their feet down.”

The eyewitness, who was sat behind them, said the man allegedly punched one of the children in the ribs and had hold of his arm.

He said he and other passengers reported the incident to the train staff, but the man was allowed to leave the train.

A photo of the incident was reportedly taken by one of the other boys and was later shared on social media.

Northern Rail has confirmed it is also looking into the incident.

A spokeswoman for the company, said: “We are currently investigating this incident because of this, it would not be appropriate for us to comment at this time.”

British Transport Police said: “We are looking for information about the incident.

Anyone with information should call 0800 405040.”