Three men are being sought by police after a football fan was punched in the face, kicked and called “Leeds scum” in an unprovoked assault.
The man in his 20s was wearing a Leeds United scarf having earlier attended a match when he was attacked by three men at Halifax station at 10.50pm on Saturday September 9, British Transport Police (BTP) said.
One of the men shouted “Leeds scum” at the victim, and, when challenged, punched him in the face.
The trio followed the man as he stumbled down some stairs into a waiting room where he was punched to the floor and kicked multiple times.
As he ran off a second time, he was chased out of the station and assaulted again.
Police have released CCTV images of three men they wish to speak to in connection with the “mindless” attack, which left the victim with severe bruising and suspected broken ribs.
Investigating officer police constable Tony McGibbon from BTP said: “This was an extremely violent and unprovoked assault which resulted in the victim sustaining severe bruising to his chest and suspected broken ribs.
“Not to mention other cuts and bruises he received to his knees, hands and face.
“It appears that the victim was targeted because of the football team he supports. The mindless and unnecessary violence that followed was shocking.”
Police are appealing for members of the public who may have been in the waiting room at the time or anyone with information to get in touch.
They can contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 236 of 11/09/2017, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.