DETECTIVES have released CCTV images of a tube passenger who tried to push an off-duty cop onto the rails at Highbury and Islington station.

The man became angry after he tried to barge past the City of London-based police officer and his girlfriend on the escalator last Thursday (January 27).

There was an exchange of words and as they walked onto the northbound Victoria line platform the thug pushed the officer towards the tracks, almost knocking him off the platform.

The cop managed to stop himself toppling over and tried to restrain his attacker, but the man wrestled himself free and fled up the escalator and back out of the station.

Detective Sergeant Fin Egan, from the British Transport Police, said: “Although the victim was unharmed, this was potentially a very dangerous act as he was shoved close to the edge of the platform.

“I am keen to speak to the man shown in the images in connection with this incident and am appealing for anyone who recognises him to get in touch.”

- Anyone who recognises the man in the images or who has any information which may assist the investigation is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 285 of 27/1/11 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.