CCTV images have been released of four men that police want to speak to after a couple were assaulted on a train last month.
The victims, a 35-year-old and a 26-year-old man, were on their way home after a Valentine’s night out. Thames Valley Police said that they fell asleep and missed their stop. They were travelling on a service between Reading and London Paddington.
Around 1.05am on Wednesday, February 15, when the train was approaching Ealing Broadway, they woke up and found their were being attacked by a group of men.
British Transport Police said that the group were punching and kicking them repeatedly.
The couple attempted to get away but the offenders followed and continued to attack them during a prolonged assault.
The offenders got off the train at Ealing Broadway and left the station.
One of the victims sustained head injuries including cuts and bruises and was knocked unconscious.
The other victim had his front teeth knocked out. Both required hospital treatment.
British Transport Police said they would like to speak to the four people pictured in the CCTV images in connection with the assault, which is thought to have been motivated by homophobia.
Investigating officer, PC Peter Taylor, said: “This was a very nasty assault committed by a group of men who attacked two other men while they were sleeping on the train. The victims believe the motivation for the attack was that the offenders thought they were gay.
“Hate crime such as this will absolutely not be tolerated by British Transport Police. I would like to speak to anyone who recognises the men shown in the CCTV images as they may have information which could help with the investigation.
“If you recognise them or have any other information about the incident, please contact me by calling 0800 40 50 40 or text information to 61016 quoting reference number 30 15/2/17.”
