British Transport Police are appealing for information after a man with an invalid Oyster card attacked a ticket inspector.

The man attacked the inspector after being asked to leave an East Croydon to Selhurst service, on October 18.

The investigating officer Detective Sergeant Bob Stokoe, said the incident began after the man was asked to leave the train at 8.53pm at Selhurst station, for having an invalid Oyster card.

He said: "He asked the inspector to check the amount on his card again, but the result came back the same for a second time.

"After the inspector informed the man he would need to keep his card as it had been used fraudulently, the man became agitated and threatened to hit him.

"He suddenly grabbed the rail worker by the shirt collar, pulling him off the train and towards the platform barriers as a struggle ensued near to the entry gates.

"The man was stopped by revenue staff, but managed to escape again, whilst shouting back and threatening to attack the inspector."

The suspect was seen to leave through the main door where he met a woman.

Investigators have isolated an image of a man who could have information about the incident.

DS Stokoe said: "We've made a number of enquiries to try to identify this man, including circulating his image on police intelligence systems, but to no avail so far.

"The image is good quality and I'm confident someone will be able to recognise him and tell us who he is."

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B9/LSA of 6/2/11.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.