A MAN was the victim of an ‘appalling’ sexual assault while he was sleeping on a Central Line night tube.The victim, in his 20s, fell asleep on an eastbound service from central London at around 4am on Saturday (July 1).
When he woke up at Hainault station, another man was sexually assaulting him. He then pushed the man away and chased him off the service.
Officers from British Transport Police and the Met then attended the scene. A CCTV image of a man wanted in connection with this “serious” assault has been released by police.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses or people who may have been on an early morning Central Line train, to get in touch.
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.
