Man wanted after indecent assault on train

Date posted: 28-09-2012

BRITISH Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for witnesses after a man behaved inappropriately towards a number of teenage girls on a train.

The victims were travelling on a service between Chafford Hundred and Southend around 5.20pm with some friends on Saturday, 22 September.

A man, believed to have been travelling with three to four other men, approached two of the girls, aged 14 and 15, and made inappropriate comments before touching them indecently.

He then sat next to another girl and spoke to her inappropriately.

The man then left the train at Westcliff, along with the group of other men, and later boarded a train back towards Fenchurch Street.

After making enquiries, police arrested an 18-year-old man from Tonbridge, Kent. He has been released on police bail, pending further enquiries, until Monday, 8 October.

Detectives are calling on anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that could help the investigation to come forward.

Detective Constable David Bishop, investigating the incident, said: “This was understandably a very upsetting experience for the girls, as well as their friends who witnessed it.

“From our enquiries so far we know that this could have been witnessed by a number of passengers on the train. I also understand that some adults offered help to the girls at the time and I would urge anyone with information to contact us.

“We’re also following a line of enquiry that a group of men chased and threatened two 13-year-old boys following an altercation on the same day, with the boys leaving the train at Pitsea. If you are one of the boys, or you know who they are, then again, we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number B8/LNA of 26/09/2012. Alternatively you can phone the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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