BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for a number of witnesses to come forward after a woman was subjected to transphobic comments.

The incident, which officers are treating as a hate crime, happened at about 9pm on August 30 when the victim boarded a train at Dawlish railway station.

A man and a woman boarded at the same time and sat near her.

They then subjected her to a stream of abusive comments that were transphobic in nature before leaving the train at Teignmouth station.

Another member of the public was sat nearby and came to check on the victim’s welfare, while a group of teenagers who were also nearby, are also believed to have overheard the abuse.

Officers have been conducting enquiries and are keen to speak to these witnesses.

Anyone who believes they are one of the people referred to is asked to text BTP on 61016, or call 0800 40 50 40, using the reference 340 of 21 August.

Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.