Police want to talk to these men after racist verbal attack on Grays to Barking train, passing through Rainham

The second man police want to talk to (Image: Archant)

A 19-year-old from Woodford Green has already been arrested and bailed in connection with the incident.

The third man police want to talk to (Image: Archant)

British Transport Police (BTP) said a group of five Asian men were subjected to racist abuse on board a Grays to Barking train that left Grays at about 8pm on Sunday, July 21.

The fourth man police want to talk to (Image: Archant)

Now officers have released CCTV images of four men they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Investigating officer Pc Greig Watkins said: “Five Asian men boarded a train at Grays station around 8pm. A group of four men, who had previously trespassed on the tracks, also boarded the train.

“During the journey, the men began to verbally abuse the victims, aged in their 20s, making racist remarks.

“As the train arrived at Barking, another man, who we believe knew the suspects, boarded the service and began to threaten the victims with violence.”

The Woodford Green man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence, and is due to answer bail on Tuesday, August 27.

As part of the investigation, officers are keen to speak to the four men pictured, as they are believed to have key information.

PC Watkins added: “Violence and verbal assaults on the rail network is simply not accepted. No one should be subjected to such vile behaviour, and we will do all we can to track the men responsible and bring them to justice.

“If you know any of the men, or are indeed one of those pictured, come forward and help officers in this investigation.”

The men officers who keen to speak to are believed to be from the Grays area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference number B13/LNA of 08/08/2013. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.