A WOMAN suffered concussion and whiplash after being assaulted on a late-night train while trying to intervene in an incident involving football supporters.

The 42-year-old Garswood woman was travelling home from a night out in Liverpool when she was injured on a train between Huyton and Liverpool.

The incident happened at about 11.20pm on Sarturday, February 8, say police, on a service where many St Helens passengers are normally returning from the city centre.

British Transport Police say a group of men, who had been to watch Preston North End at Tranmere earlier in the day, boarded the train at Liverpool Lime Street and began to sing songs relating to Preston.

As the journey progressed the men became louder and banged on the windows of the train.

PC Victoria Hodson said: “The victim asked the men to calm down, but they turned on her and began to verbally abuse her.

“At this point another passenger stepped in to defend the woman and became involved in a physical confrontation with the Preston North End supporters.

“The victim tried to help the man who had intervened, but she was then assaulted and sustained injuries to her head causing swelling, concussion and whiplash.”

BTP have managed to gain descriptions of the men involved.

PC Hodson added: “The main aggressor was a white man, aged in his early 20s, was about six feet tall, had short red hair, and was wearing a short, dark blue sports jacket. He spoke with a Lancashire accent.

“The man who intervened, who we would also like to speak to, was white, in his early 40s, about five foot eight inches tall and had short, dark thinning hair. He was wearing a navy blue jacket, pink shirt and jeans.”

Contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0880 555 111. In all calls quote log NWA/B2 of 6/3/14.