A man was punched in front of his three young grandchildren on a train in Shenfield.

British Transport Police have released this CCTV image of the man they want to speak to about the incident on Friday, August 23.

The victim, 70, was travelling home from a day out in London with his wife and three grandchildren, aged between six and 12, when the incident happened.

The train, which was travelling between Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street, approached Shenfield station at about 7.20pm when the man became abusive towards the victim’s wife and grandson, swearing at them.

PC Kelly Durant, the investigating officer, said: “When the victim asked him to stop, the man punched the victim three times in the head.

“The victim fell onto the seats and was left with bruising to his face and arm.”

The family left the train at Shenfield and the man continued on the service to Stratford.

Officers are asking anyone who recognises the man in the picture to come forward.

PC Durant added: “This was a brutal and violent attack on a man who was simply standing up to abusive and anti social behaviour.

“This type of violence is not tolerated and we will do all we can to locate the man responsible and bring him to justice.

“The image is clear – if you recognise him or witnessed the shocking incident – I’d urge you to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B15/LNA of 0800 40 50 40.

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