Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to about an attack with a baseball bat on a 23-year-old Ilford man.

Ilford Recorder: This man is wanted in connection with a baseball bat attack on a trainThis man is wanted in connection with a baseball bat attack on a train (Image: Archant)

The victim was attacked while travelling by train between Maryland and Stratford stations, after getting on with his girlfriend at Ilford station.

At around 1.50pm on March 11, the pair were approached by two young men and a woman on the platform.

After speaking to the couple, the trio boarded the train alongside them and continued to speak to them throughout the journey.

As the train was travelling between Maryland and Stratford, the victim was violently attacked by one of the men with a small baseball-type bat around the left side of his face and his arms.

All three then left the train at Stratford.

Det Con Jon Howlett, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “Fortunately the victim only sustained minor cuts and bruises, but his injuries could have been worse had members of the public not intervened to help disarm the man.

“We know that there were people on the train at the time who saw what happened, and we really need to speak with them.

“If you know the man pictured, or are indeed him, I’d urge you to contact police and help detectives in this investigation.”

Call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting B4/LNA of 04/04/2013 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information.