A STUDENT has told a jury how he was left in a pool of blood after a police officer allegedly split his head open with a baton.

British Transport Police constable Adrian Naylor, 48, of Saville Court, Wroughton, is on trial at Southwark Crown Court, London, accused of covering up for PC Richard Evans, 47, of St George's Road, Mitcham, the officer who allegedly hit Peter Snell, who was then 17.

Alongside him in the dock is PC John Seaman, 35, of Phipps Close, Slough, who was also at the scene at Reading Station on May 11, 2001.

Sgt Albert Ryan, 48, of Campion Hall Drive, Oxford, is also on trial as the officer who should have carried out an investigation into the incident.

Evans denies one charge of actual bodily harm. Ryan, Seaman and Naylor deny one charge of misconduct in a public office.

Mr Snell told the court he was out with friends that night when he became embroiled in a scuffle outside the station.

He said: "As I turned I saw something black flying through the air and it hit me on the head."

When asked if he realised who had hit him, Mr Snell said it looked like a police officer.

He said: "I could not see properly because blood was pouring down my face."

The trial continues.