A MAN was headbutted on a train.

Police are appealing for help identifying a shirtless skinny man who was on board the London Liverpool Street to Southend train and may hold vital clues to who is responsible for the attack.

The violent incident happened soon after the 11.52pm train left Shenfield at about 1.10am.

The victim, a 36-year-old man from Hullbridge, was travelling with a friend in one of the rear carriages, close to a group of about eight people.

The victim and one of the group had a verbal altercation. This led to the man approaching the victim and headbutting him in the face.

The victim left the train at Rayleigh but the attacker stayed on board. Police believe he may have got off the train at Prittlewell.

Det Con David Bishop said: “I am very keen to speak to the man pictured and am hopeful someone will recognise him. I believe he has information about the incident, and would ask anyone with information to get in touch with us.

“We will not tolerate violence on the rail network - passengers should expect to travel without the fear of being attacked. We are working hard to catch the individual responsible for this assault and welcome any assistance from the public.”

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened on Saturday, July 19 can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B15 of 11/08/2014. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.