TWO commuters were attacked by a man wielding a hammer at a London Underground station this morning.

Witnesses said one of the victims was "whacked" with the hammer when he refused to give the man a cigarette at Stratford station in east London.

British Transport Police said he sustained a cut to his head as well as a suspected fractured shoulder.

The other victim, who was not hit with the hammer, suffered minor bruising.

Both have been taken to hospital for treatment.

One witness said: "I came out of the station and the (attacker) was drawing attention to himself with how loud he was being.

"He approached another person asking for a cigarette and the guy said 'no' and this person pulled a hammer out and just started hitting him.

"He was instantly tackled to the ground, stamped on and pinned down until emergency services turned up."

Another said: "Wow, wow, wow. Walk out of Stratford station to someone whacking a man with a hammer...over a cigarette too."

Did you witness the attack? If so please contact thomas.burrows@thesun.co.uk or on 0207 782 4331

Passersby helped tackle the suspect to the ground in the station.

The 26-year-old offender was arrested just before 6am while an ambulance and emergency response vehicle were also sent to the scene.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police told the Sun Online: "Officers were called to Stratford station in east London after reports two men were assaulted by a man in the station concourse.

"Police were quickly on scene and a 26-year-old man from East Ham was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm, common assault and possession of an offensive weapon.

"During the arrest a hammer was recovered.

"Both have been taken to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries.

"The first victim received a laceration to his head as well as a suspected fractured shoulder. The second victim is being treated for minor bruising.

"Enquiries are now underway to understand exactly what happened in the moments leading to both men being assaulted."

Anyone who was at Stratford station this morning and saw the attack, should contact BTP by sending a text to 61016, by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 49 of 30/10/2018, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.