A man was smashed over the head with a bottle after striking up a conversation with a group of men on a Brighton train.
British Transport Police (BTP) detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding the man responsible and believe this man may be able to help them with their inquiries.
The attack happened on board a London to Brighton train, at around 10.20pm on Saturday, 31 January.
The victim, a 19-year-old man from East Grinstead, boarded the train with some friends at Haywards Heath.
The group got involved in a conversation with another group of men already on the train.
Detective Constable Nigel Craig said: “One of the group already on the train, began chatting with the victim.
“While the conversation initially appeared good-natured, it soon turned sour when the man, without warning, smashed a bottle over the victim’s head.”
Both groups left the train at Brighton. While the victim sought assistance, his attacker left the station before police arrived.
DC Craig said: “What began as a good-humoured conversation ended in an act of mindless violence.
“The victim sustained a nasty wound to his head that required treatment by paramedics.
“I believe his attacker is from the Brighton area. I also believe there were other people on the train that night who know who he is.”
Detectives have released an image of a man who they believe can help with their enquiries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B6 of 02/03/2015. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.