Police officers have launched an investigation after a staff member was repeatedly punched in the head by a group of teenagers at South Woodford station.

The incident, which is now being investigated by officers from the British Transport Police (BTP), happened on Wednesday February 15 at 6.15pm.

The victim was stood in the station lobby when a group of 13 to 16 year old boys and girls approached the barriers.

Three of the teens had bicycles and the staff member told them that they were not allowed to bring the bikes into the station until 7pm.

The gang then surrounded him and began pushing him, in an assault that ultimately culminated in the victim being repeatedly punched in the head.

He was left badly bruised, with cuts to his face and ear and a swollen jaw.

Investigating officer Pc Ian Hockridge said: “I am keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who might have been in the station at the time.

“We take staff assaults very seriously and we take a hard-line approach against those who assault staff. We will arrest, prosecute and possibly ban from rail services anyone who uses

Anyone with any information can contact BTP officers on 0820 40 50 40 or text 61016 citing reference 188 30/3/17.