DETECTIVES are hunting two women after a passenger was racially attacked and left with a bald spot when they pulled her hair on a train between Deptford and Maze Hill.

A 25-year-old woman from Greenhithe has already been arrested in connection with the incident on March 28 while police have now released CCTV images of two further women they want to identify.

The 'deplorable' attack came after the 24-year-old female victim had intervened to stop the three women verbally abusing a group of French foreign exchange students.

British Transport Police say the three women racially abused the victim before pulling her from her seat by her hair with such force that she has been left with a bald spot.

Other passengers on the train intervened and pulled the three women off the victim.

The women, all of whom were carrying alcohol, left the train at Maze Hill and continued to shout abuse at passengers.

Detective Constable Rachel Smith, the investigating officer, said: “The victim received vile racist abuse and was viciously attacked simply being a Good Samaritan and challenging this group’s unacceptable behaviour.

“Having already arrested a woman in connection with this incident, we are continuing to make enquiries and we will do everything we can to bring those responsible for this utterly deplorable attack to justice.

“If you recognise either of the women pictured in the CCTV images, we want to hear from you.”

The 25-year-old woman has been released on bail until May 9.

Anyone who can assist police with their enquiries should contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B5/LSA of 26/06/12, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.