Do you know this man?

A man was assaulted and robbed of his iPhone on a train as it pulled into Rainham station.

Transport police officers released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident, which took place on Wednesday, February 15.

PC Adam Fairweather, investigating officer of the case, said: “The victim, a 48-year-old man from Grays, was on the 6.51pm London Fenchurch Street to Southend Central service with his iPhone in hand.

“As the train pulled into Rainham station around 7.15pm, a man leaving the service came from behind and grabbed the victim’s phone. A struggle ensued and the victim held onto the phone, but he was punched twice in the face by the man.

“Eventually he prised it from his hand and left the train before fleeing from the station, pushing past passengers and forcing his way through the ticket barriers.”

The suspect is believed to have boarded the service at West Ham.

PC Fairweather added: “This was a nasty robbery that left a man injured, all for the sake of a mobile phone. We will not tolerate violent robberies such as this, and I am urging anyone who recognises the man pictured to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police (BTP) on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B8/LNA of 16/03/2012.

Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.