A football fan was injured in an unprovoked attack at Watford Junction after a man hit him with a carrier bag of full beer cans.

British Transport Police detectives want to speak the man pictured following the assault at the station at around 5.40pm on Sunday, August 2.

Police said the attack on the 41-year-old man from Hemel Hempstead happened the day of the FA Community Shield match between Arsenal and Chelsea.

Detective Constable David Peek said: “Shortly before 5.40pm a train en-route to Tring from Harrow and Wealdstone station pulled into Watford Junction.

“The train was crowded with fans returning home from the match at Wembley.

“A number of Arsenal fans were already on the platform, singing songs.

“A group of four Chelsea fans got off the train, and one of them broke away from the group, throwing a can of beer at the Arsenal fans.

“He then charged at the group, hitting one of them over the head with a carrier bag of full beer cans.”

The victim, a 41-year-old man from Hemel Hempstead, was knocked to the ground by the force of the blow, before being pulled onto the train by friends who feared for his safety. His attacker, who had a distinctive tattoo of the European Cup on his calf, fled the station.

DC Peek said: “Fortunately the victim did not suffer serious injuries, but this was a needless and unprovoked assault.

“The vast majority of football fans are well-behaved, but sadly there is still a mindless minority intent on violence.

“We are committed to tackling this thuggery, and I am today asking for the public’s help.

“I think the man in the images has information about what happened. Do you know who he is? Please let us know.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B2 of 8/9/15. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.