A man was assaulted by football fans in a racist attack on the Tube, police believe.

Newham Recorder: Who are these men?Who are these men? (Image: BTP)

The 26-year-old, from Newham, was on board a District line train between East Ham and Barking at around 7.15 on Saturday, March 21 – the day of West Ham’s 1-0 win over Sunderland.

He was involved in an altercation with two other men, believed to be football fans, before being physically assaulted by the pair as the train pulled into Barking.

Other passengers helped him from the carriage and called the police, but the two attackers fled the scene at Barking station.

The man was treated for cuts and bruising to his face at the scene before being taken to hospital.

Now British Transport Police have released images of two men they believe have important information about what happened.

Det Insp Chris Neeson said: “We believe they are football supporters and may have been returning home from the day’s West Ham vs Sunderland game.

“If you recognise them, or witnessed the incident and have not yet spoken to the police, please get in touch.”

He confirmed that the assault was being treated as racially motivated.

Anyone with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 405040, or text 61016, quoting reference T/B14 of 01/06/2015. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.