A RAIL passenger was punched repeatedly in the head when an argument over a cookie turned violent.

At around 10.50pm on June 3, a man was travelling on the 10.33pm train from Brighton to London Victoria.

There was an exchange between him and a group of nearby men, which was initially friendly.

They threw a cookie at him, which he threw back.

Two of the men then came over and punched him in the head and face, until a member of the public intervened.

He left the train at Three Bridges and was treated in hospital for swelling and bruising to his face.

Officers would like to speak to the men in these images as they believe they may have information which could help the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016 with reference 712 of 3 June.