The incident occurred on the 6.50pm Brighton to Littlehampton service on Sunday, December 7 when the 21-year-old man was approached by four youths and seriously assaulted as he slept.

The man's beard was set alight during the assault and he suffered full thickness burn injuries to his face.

British Transport Police arrested four males, aged 13, 14, 18 and 19 within days of the incident occurring.

BTP DCI Gareth Williams said following further inquiries and after seeking advice from the Crown Prosecution service, all four were today charged in relation to the offence.

The charge of GBH with intent carries a life sentence.

The four have been bailed to Worthing Magistrates Court on January 21.

Those charged include:

Dean Hardy, 19, of Grace Rd, Crawley and Aedan Palmer, 18, of Tower Rd, Lancing.

The other two cannot be named as they are juveniles.

Meanwhile, BTP officers have been approached by members of the Lancing community after a collection was raised for the victim.

The Broadway Post Office, Lancing began a fundraiser for the victim and collected £75.00 from customers of the Post Office.

DCI Williams said: "This was a generous donation by the community of Lancing and the monies have been passed on to the victim."