Man sexually assaults another man asleep on tube train

Detectives from British Transport Police’s Sexual Offences Unit are appealing for information after a man was seriously sexually assaulted.

The incident happened on a Central Line Night Tube service at approximately 4am on Saturday 1 July.

The victim, a man in his twenties, was asleep on the eastbound service from central London. When he awoke at Hainault, another man was sexually assaulting him.

As he awoke, he pushed the man away and chased him off the service. Units from BTP and the Metropolitan Police then attended the scene.

Detectives are now appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened or who may have been on an early morning Central Line train, to get in touch. Likewise, CCTV image is being released.

Investigating officer DC Andy Parkinson, said: “Understandably this was an appalling ordeal for this man and our specialist officers are providing him with support. We will simply never tolerate any form of unwanted sexual behaviour and a number of our officers are now working to trace the offender.

“As part of our enquiries, we are looking to speak with anyone who was on an eastbound Central Line service at this time and saw a man acting suspiciously. In particular, I am keen to hear from anyone who saw a man running off in the direction of Thurlow Gardens shortly after 4am.

“We are today releasing a CCTV image of a man we would like to speak with in connection to this assault. If you know who this man is then please get in touch as soon as possible. Your information could prove vital in our enquiries.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 122 of 01/07/2017. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.