A man was hospitalised after being attacked with what may have been a knuckleduster in a “frightening assault” at Brentwood Station during rush hour.

The 20-year-old victim, of Brentwood, was initially approached in the booking hall area of the Kings Road station by a young man on Thursday last week, according to investigating officer Det Con David Bishop.

He explained: “The victim was then followed on to platform three by a group of around seven young men, where at least two of the group assaulted him. The victim described being struck by one of the men with what may have been a knuckleduster.”

British Transport Police (BTP) are now appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place at about 5.45pm.

The suspects are described as white men aged 18 or 19. Officers are carrying out several lines of enquiry, including viewing CCTV footage from in and around the station.

Det Con Bishop added: “This was a frightening assault that left the victim requiring hospital treatment for a cut above his eye.

“I’d urge anyone who was at the station at the time of the incident, or who has any information that could help the investigation, to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting background LNA/B8 of 13/03/14.

Alternatively, call crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.