Police are appealing for witnesses after a pregnant woman was assaulted by a group of teenagers.

The incident happened on a train bound for Southend at about 6.20pm on Tuesday, March 12, ahead of a Southend United v AFC Wimbledon game.

As the train left Stratford a group of seven teens, who boarded the train at Liverpool Street, became increasingly disruptive and started shouting abusive chants to passengers. 

Sergeant Rocky Jassel, from British Transport Police (BTP), said: "The group then turned their rant towards a pregnant lady, who tried to leave the train at Billericay station. 

"As she squeezed past the group, one of the men pushed her in the back. 

"Although she was not injured, the ordeal left her and many other passengers on board extremely uncomfortable."

Officers believe some of those who were involved or who witnessed the ordeal may be from the Wimbledon area.

The men were described as all white, aged between 15 and 19, with one of the men described as of heavy build with strawberry blonde hair. 

Sgt Jassel added:  "This must have been a very frightening experience for those on board the train and simply trying to make their way home from work. 

"This kind of behaviour is very rare on the rail network, and, when it does occur, officers carry out an extensive investigation in order to bring those who think they can act in such an anti-social manner to justice."

Anyone with information should call the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number B8/LNA of 19/03/2013, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.