A woman was sexually assaulted on a train in south east London, as other passengers looked on, believing the pair were a couple.
The incident occurred aboard the 00:48 service from Charing Cross to Orpington on 18 July, when a man followed the victim onto the train at 00:53 at London Bridge, sat next to her, and proceeded to assault her for the next 20 minutes.
In a statement, Detective Constable Andy Parkinson of the British Transport Police said:
“The man followed the woman onto the 12.48am Charing Cross to Orpington service at London Bridge station. He sat next to her and began to touch her inappropriately for a period of around 20 minutes before he left the train at Chislehurst station.
“There were a few people on the train at the time who may have thought the pair were a couple and were reluctant to step in. This was not the case and I am urging these people to come forward as they may have information crucial to our investigation.”
“The man’s behaviour was totally unacceptable and inappropriate and we are currently following several lines of enquiry.”
Police have released a photograph of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the incident, and have asked anyone with information to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference B8/SSUB of 15/08/2014. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
