Transport police are hunting a man who made homophobic remarks towards a couple.

The man is alleged to have stared at the pair — a man and a woman — at Stratford station before striking up a conversation with them on an evening train towards Shenfield, Essex.

He is then said to have started making homophobic comments towards the pair and acting in an aggressive and threatening manner before leaving the train at Maryland station.

PC Charley Sutherland-Walker said: “Homophobic abuse and anti social behaviour is not tolerated anywhere, especially on the rail network.

“We will be conducting a number of patrols around the station in the coming days to speak to anyone who may have information about the incident.”

Officers have released a picture of a man they want to talk to in connection with the incident, which took place on Wednesday, October 2.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who recognises the man pictured, or has any further information which could assist, to please come forward and help officers in this investigation,” said PC Sutherland-Walker.

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B11/LNA or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.