POLICE want to speak to these men after two teenagers were punched in the face on a train at East Croydon.
The violent assault left one 16-year-old boy with a black eye and swollen lip, and a second boy, also 16, with several bruises on his face.
British Transport Police (BTP) has now released these CCTV images of two men they want to speak to in connection with the assaults, which took place at 11.50pm on Friday, January 31.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Helen Magill said: "A group of five teenagers boarded the service at Earlswood Station and sat in the third carriage from the front in a six-seat configuration.
"A separate group of three people then sat near the first group after boarding at Purley. One of the men in the second group then approached the teenagers and started shouting abuse at them.
"He approached one of the group, a 16-year-old boy, and punched him twice. To try and stop the man, and responding to his threats, one of the group handed over his wallet. The man then punched another 16-year-old boy from the group.
"The suspect and a second man then tried to block the group of five from leaving the train at East Croydon."
Det Con Magill added: "This was a nasty and wholly unwarranted assault.
"We are now asking for any witnesses who saw what happened to come forward so we are able to establish the circumstances.
"We are particularly keen to speak to these two men pictured, as it is believed they could have key information. If you know these men or saw what happened, contact us immediately."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference LSA/B2 of 18/02/2014. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
