THIS is the CCTV image of a man British Transport Police officers are trying to trace after a passenger almost had his ear cut off in an unprovoked assault.

The incident happened at Farnborough railway station on-board the 6.42pm London Waterloo to Basingstoke service on July 5.

Detective constable Phil Bibbings, leading the investigation, said: “A 62-year-old man, from Farnborough, was travelling home from London with three friends. As the train pulled into Farnborough they were approached by a man holding an empty beer glass who began verbally abusing them.

“During the altercation the man struck the victim across the face with the beer glass, causing it to smash. He then continued to hit the man with the remaining broken glass, possibly cutting himself in the process.

“Other passengers intervened and the man fled the train at Farnborough and got into a taxi with two other men.

“The victim’s ear was almost cut clean off during the attack and he required multiple stitches at hospital. The unprovoked nature of the assault is of great concern and we are working hard to catch the person responsible and bring them to justice.”

Officers have been pursuing several lines of enquiry, including viewing CCTV footage from on the train and at the station, leading to the release of images of a man they would like to speak to.

DC Bibbings added: “Who is the man in the orange T-shirt? I believe he could have crucial information about what happened on that train, which will greatly assist our investigation. It is thought he has a broad Scottish accent, and may live or have connections in the Woking or Camberley areas of Surrey. If you recognise him, please get in touch.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet come forward to police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B11 of 27/08/2014.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.