THESE CCTV images have been released after a member of staff at Bradford Interchange was assaulted and others subject to a "tirade" of racial abuse and threats in front of shocked passengers.

During the incident one man made a shooting gesture with his fingers to staff who had challenged him and his friend for trying to sneak through the ticket barriers without paying.

Northern Rail warned that it takes a "zero tolerance" approach to abuse of its staff, and urged witnesses to the assault to come forward.

British Transport Police has released the images of men its officers want to speak to about the incident, which took place on Tuesday, March 24, at 7.40pm.

Two men entered the station and approached the ticket barriers, with one attempting to "tailgate" his friend to get in without a ticket.

They were challenged by staff and then became loud and abusive.

Special Constable Hannah Finch, who is leading the investigation, said the man who had tried to get in without paying "launched a tirade of racial abuse at two members of barrier staff".

"He also threatened them and imitated a gun with his hand and pretended to shoot them," she said.

“His friend then also began shouting and swearing and forcibly prodded the station’s supervisor in the chest and physically threatened him.

“This was a very intimidating experience for the members of staff who were simply doing their jobs.

“The incident took place in full view of the public and was witnessed by several people who were passing through the booking hall at the time who looked visibly shocked by the men’s behaviour.”

“If you recognise them or know their current whereabouts please contact us.”

A Northern Rail spokesman said: “We have a zero tolerance approach to abuse on our network, whether that is towards our staff or our passengers.

"Each Northern Rail employee has the right to work in a safe environment and every passenger is entitled to travel without fear for their safety.

“We work closely with the British Transport Police to deter such incidents and whilst they are rare, we take them very seriously. I would urge anyone with any further information about this incident to contact the British Transport Police immediately.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who recognises the men in the pictures, can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B6 of 16/04/2015. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.