A manhunt is under way after a 15-year-old schoolgirl was punched in the face and racially abused at a train station in south London.
Officers received reports a suspect barged into a group of young women just before 7.45pm on February 6.
British Transport Police said when one girl challenged him outside Gipsy Hill station, he used racist words and punched her in the face three times.
Her friends attempted to stop him but he then assaulted them too.
Detectives released mobile phone images of a man they wish to speak to following the incident in Lambeth.
One photo shows him carrying a Sainsbury’s carrier bag and a laptop case.
He is seen wearing a dark jacket, blue shirt, blue jeans and a grey beanie hat.
Helen Hayes, Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and chairwoman of the education select committee, said: “I’m appalled to hear about a horrific attack outside Gipsy Hill station this evening.
“My thoughts are with the girls who were subjected to terrible violence.”
A force spokeswoman said: “Do you recognise this man?
“Detectives investigating an assault on a group of girls at Gipsy Hill station are today releasing these images in connection.
“Shortly before 7.45pm on Thursday, February 6 a man barged into a group of young girls.
“When one of them challenged him he racially abused her and punched her in face three times.
“When the other girls attempted to stop him he then assaulted them.”
Anyone who recognises the man - or has any other information - is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 726 of 06/02/2025.
Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
