A train guard had lighter fluid sprayed in his face and his jacket set on fire as he leaned out of a window.

The horrifying attack happened as the Shoebury-based guard was travelling on a c2c train from Fenchurch Street to Shoebury via the Tilbury loop late at night.

The train stopped at Stanford-le-Hope and the guard was approached by two men who were on the platform.

He was in the rear cab and his jacket was hanging up next to him.

Suddenly, one of the men threw liquid at him, which went over his jacket and in his eyes, while the other one flicked a match at him.

The jacket burst into flames and the screaming man tried to stop his face burning.

He managed to put the fire out, although the cab was badly damaged, and bravely insisted the train continue to Pitsea so passengers could get home.

The train then travelled to Shoebury, where the guard was met by his manager and taken to Southend Hospital.

A c2c spokesman said: "Had he been wearing the jacket, he could have been burned to death.

"When he was met by his manager, he was in some distress and needed to get help so he went to hospital.

"He was given some drops for his eyes, but miraculously was otherwise unhurt."

He added: "An investigation is now under way between ourselves and British Transport Police. We will pursue this matter with vigour and prosecute."

The guard is recovering at home in Shoebury following Tuesday's attack at 9pm and c2c has promised to give him anything he needs.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: "It is extraordinary someone could do this. It is a very serious assault"

The suspects were both white men aged 18 to 22. Call Southend British Transport Police on 01702 466730.

Published Friday, April 11, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo