A PLUMSTEAD commuter was punched repeatedly in the face for walking up the wrong side of stairs at a Tube station.

The 46-year-old man was taken to hospital with heavy facial bruising and a split eyelid following the “unprovoked” attack on October 8.

The victim was walking up the right-hand side of stairs in Tottenham Court Road’s underground station when a man pointed to a ‘keep left’ sign before punching him in the face.

He fell to the floor and, as he was regaining his balance, was struck again, leaving him unable to open his eye.

Police have released CCTV images of a man they would like to identify in connection with the assault, which happened around 12.30pm.

Detective Constable Mortimer said: “This was an entirely unprovoked attack on a man who was simply trying to leave the station.

"It appears the attacker was annoyed that the victim didn’t keep to the left while walking, but that is absolutely no excuse for his violent response.

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who recognises the man pictured, to come forward and help officers in this investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting B11/LUA of 25/10/2012 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.