POLICE are appealing for help after a Newport woman was assaulted on a train to Cardiff.

The 55-year-old woman from Newport, was queuing to board the train at Newport railway station when she became involved in “a verbal altercation” with another woman.

Investigating officer PC Ian Brinkworth said the disagreement “escalated” once both were on the train, which resulted in the victim being assaulted.

He added: “This was a nasty attack which left the victim in some distress, and we’re eager to speak to anyone who was there at the time.”

The incident happened on the 0645 First Great Western service from Frome to Cardiff Central - around the time of the incident, which occurred around 8.30am on Monday, 10 March.

PC Brinkworth said: “We have interviewed the victim and obtained her account of the incident, and have also spoken to some witnesses, but I would urge others to come forward.

“This was a particularly busy service full of commuters heading into Cardiff to start their working day, and I am convinced a number of them must have witnessed the incident. It is vitally important that we speak to these people.

“If you were on that train or at Newport railway station around the time of the attack, I would ask you to please contact police as soon as possible. You may have seen or heard something which could prove crucial to our investigation.”

If you were on the 0645 Frome to Cardiff Central service or at Newport railway station around 8.30am on Monday, 10 March, or have any information that could assist police with their enquiries, contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference WHA/B3 of 21/03/2014. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.