A Royston man has been blinded in one eye after confronting two thieves who stole his rucksack.

The 51-year-old had fallen asleep on the 6.55pm Cambridge to London service, waking up at Welwyn Garden City station to discover his bag had been taken.

After getting off the train, he saw two men walking across a bridge together – with one of them carrying his rucksack.

The man caught up with the pair and confronted them, when one of the men attacked him.

The victim was left with a fractured eye socket and was blinded in one eye.

Following the assault, which took place at about 8pm on August 31, the British Transport Appeal has today launched a witness appeal.

Det con Dean Percival said: “The victim was beaten so badly that he was blinded in one eye – an injury that may cause permanent damage to his vision.

“He sustained a fractured eye socket and an injury to his eyelid that required seven stitches. The man may require surgery for other injuries.”

“At the time of the attack, the station was busy. Were you there? We need anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward.”

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft and grievous bodily harm and released on bail until October 2.

Anyone with information can call the BTP on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB B6 of 09/09/2014. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.