A man was punched several times after intervening to prevent a group of passengers being racially abused on a Gospel Oak to Barking train.

British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses after the Good Samaritan sustained cuts and bruising during the attack on Friday (27) at about 10.10pm.

Investigating officer PC Greig Watkins said the victim, a 32-year-old from Walthamstow, had boarded the 10.05pm Gospel Oak to Barking service shortly before he witnessed a man racially abuse passengers.

He explained: “The man, who boarded at Upper Holloway, suddenly began making racially abusive comments towards an Asian passenger who was travelling alone. His tirade continued as he directed his derogatory comments towards two other men who were sitting close by.

“As the train approached Blackhorse Road, the victim intervened in an attempt to stop the outburst. As a result, he was punched several times in the face, sustaining cuts and bruising.”

Officers are conducting initial enquiries into the incident and will be seizing CCTV onboard the train and in the surrounding area in a bid to identify the man responsible.

PC Watkins added: “The man made extremely offence comments to three men who were simply making their way home.

“Racial and violent abuse will not be tolerated on the rail network and we will always seek to trace, and put before the courts, anyone who engages in unacceptable behaviour such as this.

“Were you a witness? Did you see the attack? Do you have key information which could assist the investigation? If so, please contact police.”

The suspect is white, aged about 20 and 5ft 10in. He had fair hair and was wearing trousers with paint marks on them.

Call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting B8/LNA of 28/07/2012. Information can also be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.