POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a violent attack on a man on board a train at Orpington station.

The assault left the victim in hospital with an injury to his knee and cuts to his ear, mouth and head.

Detective Constable Steve Best, leading the investigation, said: "The victim, a man from Tunbridge Wells, was on the train when he became embroiled in a verbal confrontation with a man he didn’t know.

"At this point, the suspect approached him and stood next to his seat, kicked him in the leg, and hit him around the head."

The suspect is described as a white man with short fair hair, aged between 25 and 35, around 6ft tall and of stocky build.

He was wearing a dark blue jumper, jeans and white trainers, with a black computer bag.

DC Best added: "In the weeks since this nasty and unprovoked attack took place we have undertaken several lines of enquiry, including speaking to witnesses and looking at CCTV opportunities.

"We appreciate that some time has passed, but it is vitally important that we speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and can help us build a picture of what took place.

"BTP takes any offences of this nature very seriously and we will do everything in our power to identify the person responsible."

The assault took place on September 18 shortly after 11pm.

No CCTV images are available for publication.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference LSA/B16 of 18/12/2013.

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