British Transport Police has released CCTV footage of two men and a woman they want to question after a 15-year-old boy was robbed on board a train between Chadwell Heath and Goodmayes.

Det Con Tim Keep, the investigating officer, said: “The victim boarded the 00.05 National Express service at Romford to travel to Manor Park, and sat alone in the second carriage from the back.

“When the train arrived at Chadwell Heath, two men and a woman boarded the same carriage, at which point the victim decided the change seats.

“It was at this point that one of the men barged into the victim before demanding he hand over some money so that the man’s pregnant girlfriend could afford her bus fare.

“When the victim explained he had no money, the man grabbed him and restrained him while the second man searched his wallet and his pockets before taking his mobile phone.”

The service then arrived at Goodmayes where the three people left the train.

The boy remained on the train to Manor Park and later reported the incident to police.

Mr Keep added: “Although the victim was not injured during the incident, the ordeal was obviously very intimidating for him leaving him shaken and upset.

“The man in the black T-shirt is particularly recognisable due to both of his forearms being covered with tattoos.”

Anyone with information on the September 10 incident can call British Transport Police on 0800 405 040 quoting reference B14/LNA of 28/09/2011 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.