A man suffered a knife wound to his face after stepping in to help an elderly passenger who was being menaced by a gang on a Tube train in north-west London, as reported by the police.

The British Transport Police (BTP) have released photos of five individuals they wish to interview regarding the incident.

Around 23:00 GMT on December 29, a group targeted the elderly man aboard a Metropolitan Line train heading to Northwick Park.

According to BTP, the good Samaritan who intervened was “slashed with a knife, resulting in a cut above his eyebrow.” After the assault, the group made their escape from Northwick Park Underground station in Kenton, taking the victim’s bag with them.

Detectives from BTP are calling on anyone who may recognize the individuals in the images, or who might have witnessed the event, to reach out to them.

Those with information can contact BTP by sending a text to 61016, calling 0800 40 50 40, or alternatively, anonymously reaching out to Crimestoppers at 0800 55 51 11.