A MAN was attacked by a gang of women on a train before being chucked off, falling into another woman and then being accused of trying to steal her bag.

The attacks happened as the 54-year-old man was travelling on a train between Southend Central and Benfleet.

He tried to use the toilet on the c2c train but could not open the door at which point six women came out and started shouting at him.

One of the women then punched the man in the back of the head.

When the train arrived at Benfleet station, the women pushed him off the train where he fell into another woman who thought he was trying to steal her bag.

The woman on the platform punched him in the face then left the station.

The man was left with a broken nose, two black eyes and several brusies and scratches.

Sgt Emma Weir said: “A 54-year-old-man tried to use a toilet on the train, but could not open the door.

“He attempted to force it, at which point six women came out and started shouting at him.

“As the train stopped at Benfleet, one of the women punched the man in the back of the head and kicked him off the train.”

The victim then fell into a woman on the platform who accused him of trying to steal her bag.

Sgt Weir added: “He protested his innocence, but the woman refused to listen and attacked him, punching him in the face before leaving the station.”

British Transport Police are now appealing for anyone who saw the attack, which happened on the 10.45pm train on Friday, July 4, to come forward.

Officers were unable to give the Echo CCTV of the assault.

Sgt Weir said: “We work hard to tackle all incidents of violence on the rail network.

“As part of our investigation, we need to speak to anyone who witnessed either incident, and I would ask anyone who has any information to come forward.”

The women on the train are described as being in their early twenties and were wearing mini-skirts.

The woman on the platform is described as having a heavy build and black hair in a bob. She wore a blue T-shirt and carried a grey satchel bag.

Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B6 of 07/07/2014.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.