British Transport Police investigating headbutting of train driver in Cheam. Image: BTP

A £2,000 reward is being offered as police search for a man who assaulted a train driver at Cheam station around 8 pm on Tuesday 24th March.

The reward has been put up by train operator, Southern.

The driver was assisting the train’s conductor remove a man, who appeared to be drunk, from the 7.04pm Horsham to Victoria train.

As they moved onto the platform, the man became aggressive, headbutting the driver.

The attacker fled the station leaving the driver with a black eye and a nasty cut on his head which needed medical attention.

Police have issued an image of a man who they think can help with their enquiries.

Image of man police wish to talk to about assault. Image: BTP

Detective Sergeant Sarah Garden said:

This attack left the victim feeling shaken and upset. He required stitches to his head wound.

Staff have the right to go about their duties without the fear of violence, and we will do everything we can to find the person responsible.

I think the man in the picture has important information about what took place. Who is he?

Southern’s Head of Trains, Martin Grier said:

This was a vicious and totally unprovoked attack on our driver who was simply trying to help another staff member with a difficult situation. We urge anyone who recognises this man to contact BTP.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B11 of 07/04/2015. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.