BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for information after a 35-year-old man was recently punched and left with a broken nose on a train passing through Harpenden station.

Police have released CCTV images of three men they want to speak to in connection with the unprovoked attack, which happened on Sunday August 5, on the 1.33am London St Pancras to Luton train.

It is thought the three men left Harpenden station around 3.20am before getting into a taxi.

Det Con Vicki Bladen, the investigating officer, said: “The 35-year-old victim was travelling home from London with a friend in the early hours of August 5.

“As the train approached Harpenden station around 3.10am, three men approached them. Heated words were exchanged before one of the men punched the victim several times in the face.”

The victim was taken to hospital with a suspected broken nose, and is still suffering from his attack with swelling and reddening to his face.

DC Bladen added: “This was a brutal attack which took place on a busy train, and has understandably left the victim and his friend shaken.

“We believe there will have been many witnesses onboard the train who saw the incident and I’d ask for anyone with information to come forward and help police.

“If you recognise the trio, I’d urge you to contact police.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.