A GUARD was left with a bloodied nose after being assaulted at Petersfield railway station on Sunday.

British Transport Police (BTP) are now appealing for witnesses in a bid to track down the attacker, who fled after a train pulled into the station at around 6.30pm.

Passengers had to leave the train following the incident on the 5.48pm service from Portsmouth Harbour to London Waterloo.

One woman, who was reportedly on the service, told Facebook users that the “idiot” responsible assaulted the guard because he was challenged for not having a ticket.

“British Transport Police were called to Petersfield station around 6.30pm following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted at the station,” said a spokeswoman for BTP.

“Officers attended the scene and two girls were spoken to, however, the suspect had left the station. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The suspect, who was wearing dark clothing and a short-sleeved t-shirt with a logo on it, was a 6ft 3ins white male with a slim build and short dark hair.

There was plenty of police activity around the station following the incident with BTP sniffer dogs aiding the unsuccessful search.

The BTP and South Western Railways (SWR) were already on high alert following the fatal stabbing of a father in front of his son on a service from Guildford to London Waterloo last Friday.

“We will not tolerate abuse or aggression towards our staff,” said a SWR spokesman in response, adding: “We will continue to work closely with BTP to bring to account anyone who assaults or threatens our staff.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040, quoting reference 403 of 06/01/19.