A MAN was left with a fractured skull after being assaulted by two thugs on a train.

The 45-year-old boarded a train at Leytonstone High Road station.

He asked one of the men to remove his feet from a seat so he could sit down. A row then began and the men viciously assaulted him.

British Transport Police (BTP) Detective Constable Helen Rea, the investigating officer, said: “After a brief verbal exchange the two men repeatedly assaulted the victim, leaving him with a fractured skull.

“Both men then left the train at Walthamstow Queens Road and ran out of the station.

“The victim was hospitalised for several days and was treated for injuries to his head, face and arm.”

BTP have only now released details of the violent assault, which happened on May 22 at about 4.45pm.

Officers want to speak to two men (pictured) in connection with the attack, who were captured on CCTV.

DC Rea added: “This was a particularly violent attack, something which is rare on the rail system. Several witnesses have come forward and I am appealing for anyone who has any information about the incident or who may recognise the men pictured in the CCTV images to contact police."

The two men are described as black and in their early 20s.

The first man is of athletic build and around 6ft tall. The second is described of medium build and around 5ft 8inl.

Anyone who has any information about the incident, or who recognises the men pictured in the CCTV images, is asked to contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident 472 of 22/5/09 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.