British Transport Police (BTP) officers are urging witnesses to an assault on two women on a train last month to come forward.

The incident, onboard the 11.03pm London Charing Cross to Dartford service on June 20, is being treated as racially-motivated.

A 28-year-old Bexleyheath woman was left with a cut lip. A 31-year-old woman from Kidbrooke, was racially-abused.

PC Michael Willoughby, leading the investigation, said: “The two women boarded the service at Charing Cross and sat close to a group of men and women in smart clothes – who could have been travelling home from Ascot.

“The train was slightly delayed but once it left Charing Cross, the two parties got into an argument which quickly escalated into a physical assault. Two men from the group were involved in the attack, which also involved racist abuse.

“Both men – and the rest of the group they were with – got off the train at Waterloo East. The first man is described as white, 20-25-years-old, slim build, wearing a charcoal grey or navy suit, with short brown spiky hair. The second man is described as white, 20-25-year-old, with short, blonde hair.”

Officers are currently viewing CCTV footage on the incident.

PC Willoughby added: “We are treating this incident very seriously and are doing all we can to catch those responsible. Hate crimes will not be tolerated on the rail network as everyone has the right to use public transport without the fear of verbal or physical abuse.

“If you were on the train and witnessed the incident, or know of someone bragging about carrying out the attack, please get in touch with BTP urgently.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B11 of 01/07/2014. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.