A passenger leaving Ely rail station was attacked by two men who jumped out of a car knocking him over a wall and punching him “multiple times” before making a getaway towards Soham.

The vicious attack on the 29-year-old man - which was witnessed by fellow commuter Phil Carpenter - happened as they left the last train from London King’s Cross at 12.26am this morning (Thursday).

The victim was left trembling in shock as he suffered a large, bloody gash behind his ear.

Police say that two men in a silver Ford Focus drove from behind before they got out and assaulted him. They are believed to be in their 20s.

Eyewitness Mr Carpenter, who was returning home after meeting colleagues in London, said he had shouted at the attackers as he ran to the man’s aid.

The 45-year-old said: “I could hear a lot noise and at first it looked like the driver had lost control of the car.

“They drove with recklessness and there were skid marks on the floor.

“One assailant jumped from the near side front passenger seat to punch the victim multiple times in the head, before he fell over the low wall by the path to the main station building.

“I was halfway across the car park, and shouted at the one ‘oi! What’s going on!’ before he punched the victim.

“He initially confronted me from around 50 metres. He proceeded to flee and rejoin the other assailant in the car, which was reversed at very high speed, and then forward again to turnaround, leaving in the direction of Soham on the A142.”

As blood was pouring from the man’s head, Mr Carpenter kept him calm before dialling 999.

“He was in complete shock and had no idea what had happened to him,” he continued.

“Between us both we had to stop the bleeding from his head. He remained conscious but was understandably confused.

“It was frightening and highlights the extent of these isolated incidents happening in Ely.”

The victim was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, where he received treatment for injuries to his head.

A spokesperson from Cambridgeshire Police said: “We were called at about 12.40am this morning (Thursday) with reports of an assault outside Ely train station in Station Road.

“It has been reported that the victim was leaving the train station when a silver Ford Focus drove up behind him, two men got out and assaulted him.

“The car then sped off in the direction of Soham.”

Anyone with information should report online at www.cambs.police.uk/report and quote incident 13 of September 13, or call 101.