Police have released CCTV images of a suspect who was scared off a Stratford-bound train by passengers after he started beating a man over the head with a baseball bat.

Newham Recorder: Do you know this man? Contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 quoting B4/LNA of 04/04/2013. Or stay anonymous by calling charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Do you know this man? Contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 quoting B4/LNA of 04/04/2013. Or stay anonymous by calling charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. (Image: Archant)

The 23-year-old victim boarded a Greater Anglia train with his girlfriend at Ilford at around 1.50pm on Monday March 11.

Two young men and a young woman started to speak to the couple on the platform and followed them on to the train.

But as they were passing between Maryland and Stratford, one of the men started violently hitting the victim around the left side of his face and arms with a baseball-type bat.

He only suffered minor cuts and bruises but police say his injuries could have been worse had the have-a-go heroes had not stepped in.

All three then left the train at Stratford.

Det Const Jon Howlett, who is overseeing the investigation, said: “We know that there were people on the train at the time who saw what happened, and we really need to speak with them.

“We are particularly interested to speak to the witness who helped the victim, as they will be key to our investigation.

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

Anyone with information is urged to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting B4/LNA of 04/04/2013 or, to remain anonymous, call charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.