A PARTIALLY blind man who was mocked and punched while travelling home on a south London train has spoken out over his ordeal.

Tim Stirling, of Bracken Hill Close, Bromley, was travelling from Victoria to Shortlands with his guide dog Yasmin and a blind friend, when he was attacked.

The 29-year-old, who volunteers with St John’s ambulance, said: “It was really quite scary. The main thing I remember is being nervous and not knowing when I was going to be hit next.

“I have really limited sight. I don’t usually feel like a vulnerable person but I did that day.

“I didn’t know how to deal with it. I’ve never been hit before , it really shocked me.

“I still don’t understand why they did it.”

Two men, who he described as having eastern European accents and smelling of alcohol, got on the train at Brixton and started verbally abusing him before hitting him twice on the back and arm.

British Transport Police [BTP] have released CCTV images of two men they believe could help with the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Daren Bates from BTP’s Crime Action Team said: “My team of detectives have launched an investigation into this incident and we are now asking for the public’s help to identify the men pictured.

“Do you know these men? Are you one of the men themselves? If so, we would like to speak to you.

“Fortunately the victim was unharmed but this was undoubtedly a frightening and intimidating experience for him.

“To intimidate and then attack someone who is clearly vulnerable is appalling and we will do everything we can to catch the person responsible.

“This took place on a rush hour train which would have been fairly busy. The victim and his friend have done their best to describe the suspects for us, but we need witnesses to come forward to help us piece the events together.

“If you saw or know anything about this appalling attack, we want to hear from you.”

Hugh Huddy, Royal National Institute of the Blind's (RNIB) campaigns officer, said: "Everybody has the right to feel safe while going about their daily lives whether that person has sight loss or not.

"If someone is specifically targeted because they're blind or partially sighted that is obviously appalling.

"When you lose your sight it can be extremely traumatic and often people can lose confidence so feeling safe in public places is vitally important in ensuring people with sight loss remain independent.

"RNIB would urge anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the police."

Anyone with any information is asked to call 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B6/LSA of 31/01/2012 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously in 0800 555 111.