CCTV of a man suspected of snatching a commuter's phone at Prittlewell station has been released by the British Transport Police. 

Officers have released CCTV of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident, which took place on Friday, 6 September.

PC Mel Owen, the investigating officer, said: “The victim, a 20-year-old from Rochford, boarded the Southend Victoria-bound train at Rochford station.

“As the train was arriving into Prittlewell station, around 7.30am, a man leant in, snatched the iPhone from the victim and ran from the train.

“The victim gave chase, but stumbled and fell, grazing his hands and knees, whilst the man made off from the station.”

Investigators are continuing their enquiries and have today released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to.

The appeal comes following the Force’s recent launch of Operation Magnum, a British Transport Police (BTP) campaign to help rail passengers keep valuables safe from pickpockets, gadget-grabbers and luggage thieves.

As part of the initiative, officers have issued video clips to help the travelling public spot 13 of the most common tricks thieves use.

Op Magnum will see BTP officers work with train operating companies and local police forces to disrupt and deter pickpockets who prey on unsuspecting commuters and tourists at busy stations, thieves who brazenly snatch expensive smartphones from distracted passengers’ hands and those who steal luggage and valuables on trains.

Videos featured on the Op Magnum website (www.btp.police.uk/theft) and the BTP YouTube channel show passengers the 13 of the most common tricks thieves use.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B10/LNA of 25/09/2013. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.