Hate crime suspect images issued

Police believe the man will be able to help with their inquiries

CCTV images of a man police want to speak to in connection with a homophobic attack on a train have been released by police.

A 38-year-old man received a deep bite wound on his hand at about 0005 BST on Friday 19 September on a London Victoria to Brighton service.

Shortly after boarding the train, he was subjected to homophobic verbal abuse before being assaulted.

British Transport Police said they were treating it as a "hate crime".

'Nasty attack'

Pc Henrik Gottler said: "This was a particularly nasty attack on a passenger and we are eager to track down the perpetrator of the offence.

"We are very keen to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV images as he may be able to provide us with information which could help with our inquiries."

The man was described as white, in his early 40s, with a bald head shaved on the sides.

He was about 5ft 9in (1.75m) tall, of medium build and wearing a white shirt with red stripes and dark coloured trousers. He was also carrying a beige jacket.