CCTV captures the shocking moment an innocent London commuter is choked with a scarf in an unprovoked attack

37-year-old victim left 'highly traumatised' by random attack that saw him pass out while being choked

Police are hunting a man who throttled a bus passenger in an unprovoked attack in London.

CCTV footage released by police captures the moment a man used his scarf to choke his innocent 37-year-old victim until he passed out.

The victim, who police say has been left ‘highly traumatised’ by the incident, regained consciousness but his assailant then attempted to attack him again.

The assault took place near Earls Court as the commuter was en route to work on board a single-deck C1 bus at around 1.50pm on Saturday.

The victim, who had to be taken to hospital for treatment, originally got on the bus at Victoria Station.

His assailant got on at Cresswell Gardens, near Old Brompton Road, and immediately sat behind him.

The CCTV footage shows the pair briefly exchanging words before the suspect suddenly removes his scarf and wraps it around the victim’s neck.

The pair grapple until the victim loses consciousness, at which point the assault temporarily stops. A few seconds later, with the victim coming around, the suspect launches into a second attack before he eventually stops. In all the attack lasted about 30 seconds.

The victim was assisted by passengers before he got off the bus at Earls Court and reported the attack to nearby police. His assailant was seen getting off the bus shortly after, at 1.57pm, at Shepherds Bush.

The suspect is described as a black male, believed to be in his early to mid-20s, and wearing a grey beanie hat, a sleeveless puffa-style jacket over a beige sweatshirt, dark jeans and boots.

Detective Constable Thomas Norman, of Notting Hill CID, said: 'This was an unprovoked attack on an innocent passenger who was on his way to work.

'The victim has been left highly traumatised. It was so violent that he passed out and this could have been far worse.

'I would urge anyone with information or anyone who recognises this man to contact us as soon as possible. This man is a danger to the public.'

Anyone with information can contact Notting Hill CID on 0208 246 0217, the non-emergency police line on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.