A man verbally abused Salvation Army members before attacking two passengers defending them on a Jubilee line tube, British Transport Police has said.

Now officers are appealing for witnesses to the assault, which took place between North Greenwich and West Ham at around 9.45pm on Friday, July 3.

Several members of the Salvation Army were returning home after an international congress at the O2 Arena when a man began verbally abusing them.

A number of other passengers intervened and he assaulted two of them.

Pc Suzanne Canning said: “I need anyone who witnessed this incident to get in touch. “Violence on the Underground is rare, and we want to ensure the Tube remains a safe place for everyone who uses it.”

A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with this incident and released on bail.

Anyone with information is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference TSUB/B3 of 14/07/2015.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.