Man bit rail worker's arm after officers spotted him 'acting suspiciously' near Manchester Arena

A man has been jailed for biting a rail worker after he was detained when acting 'suspiciously' near Manchester Arena.

Riyad Rahal was first spotted by a travel safe officer in Victoria station at around 1.30am on Sunday, June 12 last year. He looked 'suspicious' as he made his way towards the entrance of the Arena, British Transport Police said.

The 24-year-old was detained by officers 'due to his behaviour'. He lashed out at the staff and screamed at them inside the station.

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Rahal kicked at them and then bit an officer in the arm. He was arrested later that day by BTP officers at Manchester Piccadilly station.

Last Tuesday (February 7), Rahal, of Hatton Garden, Liverpool, was sentenced at Wigan Magistrates' Court. He was found guilty of assault.

He was jailed for eight months and ordered to pay £156 in compensation. Investigating officer PC Andrew Margerison said: "Rahal's behaviour had rightly aroused the suspicions of the victim and his colleagues.

"We will not tolerate abuse or violence against those who work on the railway, who are simply doing their job. We’d always encourage anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour or anything they don’t feel comfortable with to text us discreetly on 61016. "

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