A GRANDFATHER was “brutally” beaten up on a train carriage by a thug who swore at his wife and grandson.

The 70-year-old was punched three times in the head by a man near Shenfield station while travelling back home from Southend on a London-bound train on August 23.

Details of the attack have only just been released by the police.

The grandfather had been out in the seaside town for a day out with his wife and their three grandchildren aged between six and 12-years-old.

As the train approached Shenfield at about 7.20pm, another passenger in the carriage became abusive and started swearing at the victim’s wife and one of the children.

After being asked to stop by the granddad, the suspect proceeded to punch him three times in the head leaving him with bruising to his arm and face.

The family got off at Shenfield while the culprit stayed on the service before alighting Stratford.

British Transport Police have put out an appeal for witnesses of the incident with a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to about the events on the train.

Pc Kelly Durant said: “This was a brutal and violent attack on a man who was simply standing up to abusive and anti social behaviour.

“This type of violence is not tolerated and we will do all we can to locate the man responsible and bring him to justice.

“The image is clear. If you recognise him or witnessed the shocking incident, I’d urge you to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 quoting background reference B15/LNA.

People can also call Crimestoppers about the incident on 0800 555111.