A top cop has said the law needs to get tough on yobs after he was bashed on a train.

Inspector Glen Smyth, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, was left bruised after being battered by a thug on his way home from Wednesday's England match.

The 49-year-old said he was attacked after he tackled a thug on a train after England's clash against Germany at Wembley.

Insp Smyth told the News of the World he was left shaken by the attack.

He said: "In all my 31 years of policing this is the first time I've faced this sort of random, unprovoked violence."

"I've really been quite shaken by the ordeal. It brings home the complete disregard these people have for the police." He added.

Insp Smyth said he tried to reason with a man who was being abusive to another passenger.

Despite showing the lout his warrant card the police officer was pushed over by the thug.

"So I arrested him and arranged for police to meet us at the next station, Staines. But when he heard the sirens coming he punched me in the face and ran off."

He told the newspaper that a 25-year-old man has since been charged.

The officer now believes police need to spend less time on paperwork and more time on the beat.

He also criticised an over reliance on fixed penalties and cautions for dealing with antisocial behaviour arguing stiffer punishments were needed.

"The law must have teeth, but we've had most of them pulled. Give us back our bite."