A woman was punched in the face several times and spat at after coming to the aid of a bus passenger who was being sexually assaulted in Fulham , police have said.

The 65-year-old suffered cuts and swelling to her lips after she was attacked on the No 295 bus travelling along Fulham Palace Road on December 20 2016.

Officers have released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection to the incident, which happened at around 4.40pm.

The woman was beaten after she verbally defended a woman who was being sexually assaulted.

The suspect became verbally aggressive towards the victim before spitting at her and launching his attack.

Other passengers then intervened and forced the suspect off the bus.

Police are looking to speak to this man in connection with the incident

Paramedics were called to the scene and took the woman to a west London hospital where her injuries were treated.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged between 20 and 30 years old, of slim build, around 5ft 10ins tall with short black hair, who was wearing a hooded top with distinctive red and checked shoulders.

Anyone who recognises the person in the photo or has any information on the incident is asked to contact Detective Constable Darren Barlow from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command on 101.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or tweeted at using @MetCC.

There have been no arrests.

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