A CCTV image caught the moment a thug attacked a defenceless man with a baseball bat after he befriended him on a packed train.


A couple from Ilford were waiting at Ilford station for a train bound for Liverpool Street when they were approached by two young men and a woman, who started talking to them.


The group then boarded the train together and the conversation continued at 1.50pm.


But between Stratford and Maryland, one of the men pulled out a bat and, without warning, began to beat the man around the face and arms in front of terrified passengers.


The attacker's accomplice then stole money from the man's pockets as his girlfriend screamed and tried to protect him.


Other passengers intervened but could not prevent the robbers leaving the train at Stratford.


Detective Constable Jon Howlett said: "Fortunately the victim only sustained minor cuts and bruises, but his injuries could have been worse had members of the public not intervened to help disarm the man.


"If you know the man pictured, or are indeed him, I’d urge you to contact police and help detectives in this investigation."


Police are also keen to speak to a person who tried to help the victim and any other commuters who witnessed the incident.


Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting B4/LNA of 04/04/2013. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.