A man was seriosuly assaulted by a group of violent school children as he travelled on a tram through Croydon.

The police have released images of tram passengers they would like to speak to in connection with the vicious assault on a 52-year-old man.

The Croydon Tramlink passenger was travelling from Addington to East Croydon when he was attacked by a group of 10 youths.

British Transport Police PC Amy Piper said the incident occurred on May 6 at around 7.25pm.

She said: "The victim was seated on the tram when he was surrounded by a group of about 10 youths, consisting of six girls and four boys, some of them in school uniform.

"The victim was then the subject of an unprovoked attack and was punched and kicked by members of the group.

"This was a ferocious attack and the CCTV clearly shows members of the group laughing and shaking hands following the assault.

"Several other passengers on the tram went to the aid of the victim but the group got off the tram leaving the victim with facial injuries which required hospital treatment.

"We've seized CCTV from the carriage and are keen to identify anyone who was on the tram who can assist us with this inquiry.”

If you witnessed the attack or if you recognise any members of the group involved in the incident BTP would like to speak to you. Contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident number 499 of 06/05/2009.

• Get the latest crime figures in our Local Information section