Hundreds of passengers were trapped on a rush-hour train during a gang fight as thugs smashed their way into carriages with baseball bats.

The doors of the Greater Anglia service were kept shut causing “panic” on board as the brawl swept through the train.

It is understood a dispute between two people on the train escalated when one called for back-up.

A number of people armed with bats and poles then stormed into Edmonton Green station to meet the train, attacking a 28-year-old man who was later rushed to hospital with head injuries.

Passengers told of their fear as the assault took place on the 6.15pm Liverpool Street to Enfield Town service yesterday.

Writing on Twitter, Kayleigh Jade said: “I have never been so scared in all my life. Attack on my train. People crushed, screaming, crying.

“Why didn’t the doors open during the attack? It caused crushing, mass panic and hysterics.

“I can’t even tell you how terrifying it was. People thought it was a ‘fire’ then realised they were screaming ‘fight’.

“Everyone ran to end carriage where I was and there was screaming, crushing. Doors wouldn’t open so someone broke them.

“Then when got off saw train was smashed / guys with bats running around.”

Another passenger said: “I was on the train when it happened, a guy smashed through the doors on my carriage with a base ball bat and climbed on the train.

“He was chasing a guy that he knew was on the train, beat him up badly, I ran away quickly.”

One witness, who asked not to be named, said the row began after one of the people involved refused to apologise for something.

The witness said: “It was quite packed so it could have been they banged into each other or something. Then when we got to the station it all kicked off. The people with baseball bats were shouting ‘Where is he? Where is he? The doors were closed and people were screaming and pressing the alarms, trying to get away. It was terrifying.”

Greater Anglia said they did not open the doors on police advice. The train was later taken out of service because of the damage sustained.

British Transport Police said a 23-year-old man from Mile End was arrested at the scene on suspicion of criminal damage and causing grievous bodily harm.

He is currently in custody and is being questioned by detectives.

Two other men fled the scene across the tracks.

Chief Superintendent Paul Broden, leading the inquiry, said: “This was a highly unusual incident and not a random attack. It appears that a dispute on the train escalated when others were contacted by phone and met this train at Edmonton Green station.

“A targeted assault then took place. A person was arrested but police continue to seek witnesses to this incident.

“This incident caused considerable concern, disruption and fear to passengers on the train and we are treating this extremely seriously.

“An incident room has been set up and uniformed officers will be increasing patrols in this area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0800 40 50 40.