POLICE are hunting two fare dodgers, after one of them punched a member of rail staff in the face.

They have just released CCTV images of two men who were at the station at the time, who they want to speak to about the attack at Southend Central station.

Pc Maria Wheele, from the British Transport Police, said: “Two men entered the booking hall of Southend Central station around 1.05pm. One of the men then forced his way through the ticket barrier without showing a valid ticket.

“As the second man tried to do the same, a security guard stepped in to stop him passing through. The first man then punched the victim in the face, before they both left the station.”

The assault happened on August 27, but the image has only just been released.

Police have vowed to crackdown on anyone who abuses rail staff, and say the men have “key information” about the crime.

Pc Wheele added: “This was a nasty and unnecessary experience for a member of staff simply trying to do their job.

“We do not tolerate abuse on rail staff or customers and will always do everything in our power to identify and prosecute anyone who carries out this type of unacceptable behaviour.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference B11/LNA of 25/09/2013 .

Information can also be passed to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.