A man attacked by drunken thugs on a Southend-bound train is convinced a have-a-go-hero saved his life.

Barney Rowland paid tribute to Paul Phillips, the man who bravely leapt to his defence, and now both are campaigning for more guards on evening trains.

The trouble began after Wickford station where five drunken youths boarded the Great Eastern train travelling to Southend Victoria. They were shouting, kicking the side panels of the train and slapping the window. Then one asked Barney if he had any money.

He said he had none on him, but the youth beckoned another over who began being threatening and abusive.

Barney was afraid to call police on his mobile phone in case the mob snatched it out of his hand.

He decided to get off at the next stop, Rayleigh, but said: "I got up from my seat and the two of them tried to hold me back. As I passed them they grabbed at me and managed to grab hold of my rucksack.

"Luckily for me a man stepped in to help me. The gang started to shout abuse at him and he helped me off the train.

"One of the gang was looking from the train and I knew now this was a very dangerous situation.

"If it hadn't been for the kind intervention of a fellow passenger, I may not have escaped with my life."

As there was no guard at the station, hero Paul Phillips, 27, of Rayleigh, drove Barney back to his home in Southend.

Barney said: "Great Eastern Railway should protect customers from incidents like this."

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