Police have launched a witness appeal after a pensioner was assaulted at St Pancras station for asking a group of teenagers to stop throwing sweets at passengers.
A 72-year-old man, who is from Cricklewood, was allegedly punched and kicked by a group of four or five teenagers, just days before Christmas.
After he asked them to stop throwing sweets at other passengers, a boy - thought to be aged around 16 - punched him in the face, police said.
He was then kicked and punched again as he got off the train at the station, leaving him requiring treatment in hospital, from where he was later discharged.
One 15-year-old was arrested at the scene but has since been discharged, and police want help tracing three others in connection with the alleged attack.
Sft Mike Boyce, of the British Transport Police, said: "This was an unprovoked and malicious attack, and the level of assault is shocking.
"Officers are now taking all steps in their power to identify those responsible."
Anyone who recognises the teenagers or who witnessed the alleged attack is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting the reference LNA/B2 of 20/12/13, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 080 555 111.
