WITNESSES are being asked to come forward after a litter bin was hurled at a woman on a train, splitting her head open.

The incident took place on the 5.06pm Cannon Street to Hayes service when the train was at Elmers End Station.

The 24-year-old victim was sitting nearest to the doors of the train when it stopped at 5.40pm, and was talking on her mobile phone.

PC Rachel Smith, of the British Transport Police (BTP), said: "Just as the doors were closing, an Afro-Caribbean male who was walking along the platform in the company of another man reached into the carriage, grabbed the bin and hurled it at the woman.

"The bin struck the woman on the back of the head, splitting her head open.

"This would appear to be a random and unprovoked attack and police are eager to speak to anyone who was on the train or may have been on the platform and witnessed this incident.

"Both males were Afro-Caribbean and were wearing dark clothing.

"One had a light coloured baseball cap on underneath his hooded top, which was pulled over his head.

"It is possible the two were part of a larger group who were at the station around the time of the offence."

The victim was taken to hospital and received five stitches in the back of her head, following the March 20 attack.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the BTP witness appeal line on 0207 391 5275 quoting background log B10 of 05/6/2007