Police hunt train attacker

The incident took place just before 7.20pm on Sunday April 4 after the man boarded the 5.53pm Charing Cross to Hastings service.

PC Tony Murphy, one of the investigating officers, said: "A conductor asked the passenger to leave the train because he had not bought a ticket for his journey.

"The man refused and began arguing with the conductor before throwing the contents of his beer bottle at him.

"The conductor repeated his request for the man to leave the train, but received further abuse and threats in return."

The man then got off the train and threw the glass bottle at the victim, before kicking the side of the train.

As the conductor closed the doors, the man threw another bottle, which narrowly missed the 36-year-old member of staff, before continuing to shout abuse as the train left the station.

PC Murphy added: "This was a violent attack on a man who was simply trying to do his job and should have been able to carry out his duty without fear of violence.

"We are making local enquiries as part of our investigation into the attack and ask anyone with any information to get in touch."

A Southeastern spokesman said: "Violence or abuse to our staff will not be tolerated and will we will press for the strongest possible penalties for those convicted."

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 319 of 04/04/2010, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.