A CYCLIST slapped a member of staff at a train station across the face in a “totally unprovoked assault” after trying to barge through ticket barriers.

The incident happened at about 6.50am on Monday at Westcliff station, after a train arrived from Fenchurch Street.

A man got off the train and got on his bike before cycling along the platform. At the ticket barrier, without producing a ticket, he then barged through the gates.

At this point the victim challenged the man, who then approached the her and slapped her hard across the face, knocking her glasses to the floor.

British Transport Police released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

PC Chris Henschel said: “The man slapped this victim which such force that her glasses were knocked off, she also received a cut to the bridge of her nose. It was a vicious and totally unprovoked assault.

“No one should ever be subjected to violence on the railway, especially for simply doing their job. We have a number of active enquiries underway but would welcome any help from the public. If you know the man in the CCTV images then I would urge you to get in touch as soon as possible.

“Your information could greatly assist us in investigating this assault.”

Any information can be passed to BTP by sending a text to 61016 quoting reference 49 of 15/05/2017. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.