POLICE are appealing for the public's help after an Anerley man was punched in the face and ribs on a train near Sydenham station.

The incident happened as the train travelled between London Bridge and Penge West at around 12.15am on Saturday December 14.

Investigating officer PC Neil Allison said: "The victim, a 29-year-old from Anerley, was on the train and during the journey a man became aggressive towards him.

"The man then punched the victim in the face and ribs before leaving the train at Sydenham."

Officers have launched an investigation into the incident and are reviewing CCTV from the train and the station.

PC Allison continued: "This was clearly a distressing experience for the victim, who suffered a cut to his eye.

"The train was very busy at the time of the incident so many people would have witnessed what happened.

"I'm urging anyone with information to come forward and speak to us."

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting LSA/B4 of 23/12/13.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.