A TRAIN company has put up a reward of £1,000 after a vicious assault on a ticket inspector in Southgate.

First Capital Connect has put up the reward after a member of staff, on board the King's Cross to Welwyn Garden City service, was floored by a fare evader close to New Southgate station, on Sunday, August 5.

The incident occured after the inspector approached a young black man on the train and asked him to produce a valid ticket.

After an an exchange of words, the young man punched the inspector in the face, and once down on the ground, kicked him in the head.

The attack led to the ins-pector receiving two black eyes and bruising, while the attacker fled the scene at New Southgate station.

Ian McCammont, of the British Transport Police (BTP), said: "This was a vicious attack on a man who was simply doing his job.

"We are treating this very seriously. Rail staff have a right to work without fear of attack."

Martin Grier, head of security at First Capital Connect, said: "We will not tolerate abuse of any kind and always seek to prosecute offenders.

"I urge anyone with information to contact the police."

The violent fare evader is described as between 20 and 25-years-old, about 6ft 2ins tall, with a muscular physique and short hair.

He was wearing a chequered shirt and blue denim shorts at the time.

The reward will be issued in the event of a conviction.

Call BTP on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference B8 17/10/07. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.