A young woman was racially abused on a train by a large group of men, police have said.

“Six or seven” thugs hurled insults at the 21-year-old victim as they travelled between Rainham and Purfleet, in Essex, British Transport Police (BTP) revealed.

The men were white and the woman, who is of mixed heritage, has a Middle Eastern appearance.

Pc Gary Martin, investigating, wants to speak to anyone who saw or heard the incident on Saturday, April 20, between 10.50pm and 11.05pm.

He said: “It is believed [the men] boarded the train at Rainham shortly before 11pm and stayed on the train after she left at Purfleet.”

The men, aged in their early 20s, were wearing jeans and hooded tops and chequered shirts, police said.

Officers are currently looking at CCTV of the journey and have been speaking to witnesses.

PC Martin added: “Understandably, this person was left very shaken and upset by this encounter, and we will do everything in our power to find those responsible.”

The offence took place on board the 10.35pm London Fenchurch Street to Grays train, which arrived at 11.12pm, and stopped at Limehouse, West Ham, Barking, Dagenham Dock, Rainham and Purfleet.

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting B5/LNA of 25/04/2013.

Or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.