Railway staff saved a man’s life after he was pushed into the path of an oncoming train by a thug at East Croydon station.

Station employees guided the 53-year-old victim away from a live rail and out of the way of the train following the “truly shocking” attack at 11pm on Friday.

He was taken to Croydon University Hospital and will need surgery for serious facial injuries suffered in the assault.

British Transport Police (BTP) Detective Sergeant Sarah Garden said the victim was "dazed after hitting his head on the rails".

Feb 6: Call for witnesses after man pushed onto tracks at East Croydon station

She added: "Staff acted quickly to guide him away from the live rail and make sure he got off the track moments before an oncoming train came through.

"He sustained serious injuries to his face which it is believed will require surgery.

“This was a truly shocking attack."

The assault followed a fight on the 10.32pm train from London Victoria to Chichester.

BTP today released a CCTV image of a man they are looking to speak to in connection with the attack and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Your Local Guardian:

Anyone with information should call BTP on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference 180 of 6/2/16. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.