A man was savagely beaten and had his hand bitten by a 'gay basher' on a train.

Shortly after the 38-year-old victim boarded the Victoria to Brighton service a man started hurling homophobic abuse at him.

The 40 something skinhead then laid into the innocent man, sinking his teeth deep into his hand.

Nasty attack

PC Gottler called the September 19 assault "a particularly nasty attack"

The suspect is described as about 5ft8 to 5ft9 inches tall, with a medium build and wearing a white shirt with red stripes and dark coloured trousers. He was carrying a beige jacket.

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on freefone 0800 40 50 40 or the Witness Appeal Line on 0207 391 5275 quoting background log B4 of 23/10/2008.

Click 'photos' for another angle of the suspect