POLICE are appealing for information following an attack on a train driver which left him with a 12cm cut to his head.

The 51-year-old victim from Bexleyheath had stopped his train at Grove Park railway station on February 14 at 10.22am.

He asked a passenger to pick up some litter which he had dropped and an argument developed.

Detective Constable Rod Harbron from the British Transport Police, said: “The passenger became abusive and aggressive and punched the victim in the head, resulting in a large cut to his head which required extensive hospital treatment.”

He added: “This was a violent attack on a man who was simply doing his job, if you have any information then we want to hear from you.”

Officers have arrested a 19-year-old man from South London in connection with the incident. He was released on bail pending further enquiries.

A Southeastern spokesman said: “This was a violent and unprovoked attack on a member of our staff.

“Our staff should never be the victims of abuse or physical abuse and we will work closely with the BTP to ensure anyone who does abuse staff is subject to the full force of the law.”

Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B3/LSA of 01/03/2011 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.