A ticket inspector has been left with a cracked cheekbone after he was punched in the face by a passenger on a train to Herne Bay.

The unprovoked attack happened shortly after the commuter's card was declined when he asked the inspector for a ticket after getting on at Faversham.

Police have today released this CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to about the assault on Monday, February 18 at about 4.30pm.

It comes on the day Southeastern won a top award after attacks on its staff fell by 44%.

The attack took place on the 2.53pm service from London Victoria to Ramsgate.

DC Bob Gee, from British Transport Police, said: "A man got on at Faversham station and approached the ticket inspector to purchase a ticket to Herne Bay.

"The man became irate after his card was declined at the first attempt to take payment.

"When the payment went through on the second try, unprovoked, the man suddenly became violent, and punched the ticket inspector in the face, leaving him with a cracked cheekbone.

"This was an unprovoked attack on a man who was simply trying to do his job.

"As a result of being punched, he is currently receiving treatment, including facial surgery, for his injuries."

Anyone with information should phone British Transport Police on 0800 405040 - quoting reference B2/LS of 28/2/13- or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.