POLICE are hunting a man after a 28-year-old rail passenger was stabbed at Winsford train station on New Year's Eve.

British Transport Police want to speak to anyone on the 8.34pm Liverpool Lime Street to Birmingham New Street service that stopped in the town shortly after 9pm on Thursday, December 31.

The man, a 28-year-old man from Liverpool, was stabbed in the station car park after challenging a group - believed to be one man and four or five women - on the train who had been throwing items around the carriage.

The man got off the train at Winsford and was followed by the man from the group, who is described as being in his late 20s and of a stocky build.

The man then stabbed the victim several times, causing injuries to his groin and upper body, before the injured man was taken to safety by another passenger from the train.

Det Sgt Matt Davies from British Transport Police said: “Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not life threatening but he remains in hospital where he has received surgery for his wounds.

“We are also grateful to the passenger who came to the aid of the victim and took him to a place of safety.

“Our investigation into who is behind this attack continues and we have been at the station today conducting a forensic examination of the scene, local enquiries and reassurance patrols.

“It is vital we now speak to anyone who was on the 8.34pm train out of Liverpool and witnessed the disturbance in the carriage, as well as anyone else who was in the area of Winsford station at 9.10pm and saw what happened.

“I would also appeal to those involved to do the right thing and come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text the force on 61016 quoting reference 454 of 31/12.

Alternatively, details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.