Rogues' gallery: Faces of train fight yobs revealed

The men boarded the late night service after spending the day drinking at York Races, police believe.

One man was seriously injured in the fight, which left other passengers fearing for their safety.

PC Mark Mowvley of British Transport Police, said: "The two groups, who had been at the York Races and had consumed alcohol throughout the day, had boarded the 9.50pm Middlesbrough to Manchester Airport service to return home.

"As the train left York station, the two groups, consisting of eight men and five men, began a serious altercation resulting in a man gaining serious injuries."

The disorder had stopped before the train arrived at Leeds, at around 11.30pm.

PC Mowvley added: "Many innocent passengers were also travelling in the carriage at the same time and were left fearing for their safety. I am looking for help from the public to build up a complete picture of what took place.

"Our enquiries so far suggest that the carriage would have been very busy at the time and we would like to hear from anyone who can help us establish what happened, shed light."

Anyone who witnessed the attack on Saturday, 22 May or has any information is asked to contact police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 724 of 22/05/2010 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.