POLICE have released CCTV images of a gang which carried out a violent robbery on a late-night train.

A 20-year-old man was attacked moments after boarding the 11.25pm service from Chingford to Walthamstow.

The gang of five men, who had earlier travelled to Chingford from Wood Street, repeatedly punched the victim in the face as they tried to snatch his mobile phone.

As one of the gang searched through his pockets, his accomplices continued to punch him in the face and his ipod was taken.

Three of the robbers got off the train at Walthamstow Central and ran out of the station towards Hoe Street.

The two remaining thieves stayed on the train and got off at St James Street.

The victim suffered a bloodied nose and swollen jaw.

The attackers are described as black and around 20 years old. One of the gang wore a distinctive grey woolen hat, a white vest and a large puffa jacket.

A second mugger wore a blck scarf or bandana with white markings covering the lower half of his face.

The remaining three wore dark clothing and covered their heads with either hoods or hats.

Detective Constable Paul Cudby of the British Transport Police (BTP) said: “This was a particularly violent robbery and has the left the victim shaken as a result.

“We have carried out extensive local enquiries and urge anyone with any information to come forward and help the police with their investigation.”

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened on July 7, is asked to contact the BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference number B3 of 15/07/10.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.