Police have released photographs of a suspect in a September assault on a lesbian couple in Vancouver.

Ali Matson, 24, and her girlfriend had just gotten off the bus near the intersection of Commercial Drive and Hastings Street, when a man allegedly grabbed each of the women and repeatedly punched them in the head.

Matson suffered two black eyes and injuries to her nose, while her girlfriend escaped with minor injuries, before bystanders intervened and the assailant fled the scene.

The couple believes the man became agitated after he saw them exchange a kiss while riding the bus.

Vancouver police are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.

The man is described as white, 35- to 40-years-old, six feet tall and about 220 pounds.

The photos released by police were taken from the bus's security cameras.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has any information regarding the incident is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.