Two men seriously hurt in attack before Albion match

The men from Dudley and Cradley Heath, both aged 52, were assaulted as a train pulled into the Hawthorns station before Albion's game against Southampton.

It happened on February 28 but police only released the information today.

One of the victims sustained a double fracture to his jaw and had to undergo corrective surgery.

The other was left with a gash on the head and a black eye.

Police have now launched an investigation into the violence.

One of the men was attacked on the train as it arrived into the station before the second man was assaulted on the station platform.

Officers are also investigating reports a large group of men were singing offensive songs on the same train before the game, which Albion won 1-0.

Then after the match, there were further reports of drunken disorder on a train heading from Birmingham New Street towards Leamington Spa, shortly after 7.30pm.

British Transport Police Detective Constable Tim Friend said: "The vast majority of football fans are peaceful, law-abiding people. However, there is a mindless minority who are determined to cause trouble.

"We need anyone who witnessed any of these incidents to get in touch with us. Any detail, no matter how small, could prove important to our enquiries."

Anyone with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.