A rail commuter was attacked by six women wearing mini-skirts who burst out of a train toilet after he tried to force the door open.
The 54-year-old victim tried to use the facility on the 10.45pm train travelling from Southend Central to Benfleet on Friday, July 4 when the assault took place.
And in a separate related unfortunate incident, he was attacked by a woman on the platform at Benfleet after falling into her when he was kicked off the train by the gang.
The victim was left with a hairline fracture to his nose, two black eyes and several bruises and scratches.
British Transport Police Sergeant Emma Weir said: "As the train stopped at Benfleet, one of the women punched the man in the back of the head and kicked him off the train.
"The man fell into a woman on the platform, who accused him of trying to steal her bag."
"He protested his innocence, but the woman refused to listen and attacked him, punching him in the face before leaving the station."
Sgt Weir added: "We work hard to tackle all incidents of violence on the rail network.
"As part of our investigation, we need to speak to anyone who witnessed either incident, and I would ask anyone who has any information to come forward."
The women on the train are described as being in their early twenties. They wore mini-skirts.
The woman on the platform is described as having a heavy build and black hair in a bob. She wore a blue T-shirt and carried a grey satchel bag.
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B6 of 07/07/2014. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
