Police have released CCTV after a man was punched in the face on the Central line between South Woodford and Woodford.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers have released CCTV images of a man they want to trace following the assault on Tuesday July 14.

Det Con Michael Hatcher said a 42-year-old man from Essex was sat on the train looking down at his mobile phone when he was attacked.

He said: “Shortly before the train arrived at Woodford, a man assaulted him, punching him several times to the head and face.

“The victim alerted station staff who tried to stop the suspect but he made off, prior to police arrival.

“BTP officers conducted a thorough search of the area but nobody matching the suspect’s description was found.”

The victim was treated at the scene by a crew from London Ambulance Service. He suffered cuts and bruises to his face, including a cut to his lip.”

He said police were “very keen” to speak to the man pictured.

“We believe he will be able to greatly assist the investigation,” he said.

“If you know who he is, or witnessed the incident and have not come forward to police, please get in touch.

“This was a nasty assault which left the victim with a number of injuries to his head and face.

“We treat all violent crime on the Underground with the utmost seriousness and are doing all we can to catch the person responsible.”

Contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting background reference T/B4 of 31/07/2015.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.