A DOG was directed to attack a teenage train passenger as he walked along the platform of Accrington Railway Station.

British Transport Police are now calling for help to trace the man and his dog following the attack.

The victim was walking along the platform, joking with his friend, when the pair where approached by a man and woman who had a small brown dog, possibly a Staffordshire bull terrier, on a lead.

PC Adam Birkbeck, of British Transport Police, said: “The man with the dog took exception to the comments made by the friends, believing they were directed at him, and became extremely aggressive.

“Despite being assured that the comments made by the pair were directed at each other, the man continued his aggressive behaviour and took his dog off the lead – directing it to attack the victim.

“The dog immediately targeted the 19-year-old, biting his leg causing severe grazing. The attack continued until the dog’s owner called for it to stop.

“Following the attack the man and woman collected the dog and left the station.

“The aggression shown by the offender was completely unacceptable and there is no doubt that the injuries sustained by the victim could have been far worse.

“It is only through sheer good fortune that the dog wasn’t able to inflict any more damage.

“I am confident that someone will know the man responsible and I am calling on them to come forward before some is seriously injured as a result of his aggressive and irresponsible behaviour.”

The incident happened just after 5pm on Tuesday, February 12.

The offender was white, about 20-years-old, 5’9” tall and of medium build. He had short brown gelled hair and was wearing a black top.

The woman he was with was white, slim, about 18 or 19 and had dyed red hair.

Anyone with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.