Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak with following the double sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl on a train. The incident occurred when the girl, accompanied by her mother, was heading to the train’s restrooms just after 8 pm on August 16. The man, who had been tailing her, lurked outside the toilets and assaulted her a second time upon her exit. The train was en route from Birmingham to Hereford.
British Transport Police have initiated a probe into the “disturbing” event that left the victim and her family in shock. The authorities have shared a description of the man, noting he has brown hair, a beard, and was seen wearing a grey t-shirt. Detective Sergeant Matthew Grieve from British Transport Police emphasized the significance of speaking to the individual in the image, believing he holds crucial information for the investigation.
DS Grieve stated, “This is a distressing incident that has deeply affected the family. We are eager to speak with the individual depicted in the image as he may possess vital details to aid our inquiry.”
Individuals with any relevant information are urged to reach out to the authorities by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 690 of August 16. Alternatively, information can be anonymously provided by contacting Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The official statement from British Transport Police reads: “Can you identify this individual? Officers looking into the sexual assault of a young girl on a train between Birmingham and Hereford have unveiled this image for assistance. Just after 8 pm on Saturday, August 16, a man sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl while she was on her way to the train toilets with her mother. Subsequently, he shadowed and waited outside the toilets, assaulting her again as she exited.”