BRITISH Transport Police officers investigating the theft of a bag from a train at Warrington Bank Quay station have released two images of a man they want to trace.

The bag was stolen from the luggage racks of the 12.51pm Edinburgh Waverly to Birmingham New Street service on Wednesday, August 13.

PC Dan Armstrong, leading the investigation, said the 21-year-old victim from Chester had boarded the train at Edinburgh Waverly and placed her large suitcase in the racks at the end of coach F.

As the train left Warrington Bank Quay, the woman went to check on her luggage and noticed it was gone.

PC Armstrong added: "The suitcase contained a high-value laptop and months of irreplaceable university coursework, with which the victim is understandably very keen to be reunited.”

Officers added the man boarded the train at Wigan North Western and may live or have connections in the local area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B4 of 29/09/2014.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.