Police have launched a manhunt following reports a victim was assaulted on a train after waking to find water being poured over his feet.
The man was asleep on a South Western Railway service from Surbiton, southwest London to Basingstoke, Hampshire on Saturday night when he suddenly felt liquid on him and woke.
After making a noise, the man was threatened by a fellow passenger, who warned he would “punch him” if he reacted again.
The man was then punched several times in a violent, unprovoked attack, the British Transport Police said.
Fellow passengers stepped in to try and break up the altercation, before the victim departed the carriage at Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.
The suspect is believed to have left the journey at Weybridge, Surrey.
Officers have now released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the alleged assault.
Officers believe the man in the image, who has short fair hair and a black T-shirt, may have information that can help their investigation.
Anyone with information, who recognises the man or who may have seen the incident is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 04 of 15 June.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
