POLICE have released CCTV images of two men on the first anniversary of an attack which left a commuter with a fractured skull.

The 45-year-old man tried to flee a confrontation after boarding a train at Leytonstone High Road station at 4.45pm on May 22, 2009.

But two men chased him to the next carriage, punching and kicking him with such force that he needed hospital treatment for several days.

One attacker struck the victim with a belt wrapped around his fist, before the train stopped at Queen's Road station, Walthamstow.

British Transport Police (BTP) have now issued a fresh plea for help as they seek to identify two men pictured in the CCTV stills.

Detective Constable Helen Rea, the investigating officer, said: "This was a violent attack that left the victim with serious injuries.

"In an attempt to identify the people responsible, we are continuing to appeal for anyone who may recognise these men to come forward.

Det Cons Rea added: "After a brief verbal exchange the two men attacked the victim, and in a bid to escape, he ran to the next carriage.

"But the two men followed and began kicking and punching him, one of them wrapping a belt around his fist to use as a weapon, leaving the victim with a fractured skull.

"When the train reached Queens Road, Walthamstow the two men ran from the station.

The two suspects, who were earlier seen boarding the train at Barking station.

One man was said to be about 6ft and athletic, while the other was about 5ft 8in and of medium build.

Anyone with any information should call BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40, quoting incident 472 of 22/5/09. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.