BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for help to identify a group of men wanted for questioning over a "vicious and unprovoked assault" on a train.

A passenger was punched, kicked and racially abused on a journey between Dartford and Charing Cross.

The three men police would like to talk to are white and have South African accents. They are all thought to be in their early 30s and have shaved heads.

BTP Det Con Vanessa Cottington said that while the incident happened back in March, police were hopeful that images from a CCTV still might provide a breakthrough in the case.

She added: “This was a nasty assault on a passenger who originally approached the three men to ask if he could borrow a cigarette lighter. One of the offenders appears to have taken offence to the request and began shouting racial slurs against the man.

“The victim went to return to his seat but was chased through the carriage and punched in the face by one of the men.

"When the train pulled in at Sidcup station, the victim attempted to get away from the men but was pursued and then punched and kicked to the ground by the group on the station platform.

"During the assault a screwdriver was produced and the victim was further injured to the face. The offenders then left the station.

“The victim was hospitalised and required 18 stitches due to facial injuries, as well as suffering a chipped tooth.

“This was a vicious and unprovoked assault on a passenger and we are hopeful members of the public may be able to identify the men in the CCTV still to help."

The offence happened at around 11pm on March 8 this year.

Anyone who can identify the men is urged to contact the BTP Witness Appeal line on 0207 391 5275.