A man was left needing stitches to the top of his head after he was “brutally” beaten by a fare dodger at a west London Tube station .

The attack happened on March 20 at Queensway London Underground Station and left the victim with a black eye, swelling to face and seven stitches for a severe laceration.

An investigation has been launched by British Transport Police (BTP) , with CCTV images released of a man they would like to speak to.

The incident happened at 5.25pm when the victim activated the ticket barrier to enter the Central line station.

Police want to speak to this man following the assault, which left the victim needing seven stitches to a head wound

But before he could walk through he was barged out of the way by a man leaving the station, who walked through the open turnstile.

The two men confronted each other before the ticket-holder was attacked.

The assailant, who was travelling with a woman, quickly left the Zone 1 station, in Westminster , and turned right onto Bayswater Road before officers arrived.

Investigating officer PC Eric Enang said: “The victim has suffered some very severe injuries.

“I would like to speak to the man in the CCTV image as I believe he will have vital information that will help us with the investigation.

“Everyone has the right to travel on the railway network without fear of being assaulted.”

Anyone with any information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 citing reference 284 31/03/2017.

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