A 48-year-old man from Hornchurch was assaulted by two men after he challenged them over their abusive behaviour to other passengers, transport police have said.
He suffered a fractured eye socket in the attack which occurred on a platform at Romford station at about 11.25pm on November 27.
British Transport Police have released images of two men they want to trace in relation to the incident.
Detective Constable Tim Keep said: “The victim has required specialist treatment at Moorfields Eye Hospital since the attack.”
“The rail network is a safe place, and I would like to reassure the public that incidents like this are rare.
“The men in the images I am releasing today will have information about what took place on that night. I would urge them, or anyone who knows them, to contact BTP.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference 169 of 3/2/16.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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