Police appeal after Hornchurch woman indecently touched on train
A pervert who indecently touched a young Hornchurch woman and who later exposed himself to a teenage girl, is being sought by police.
Detectives released CCTV images of a man they would like to trace following the incidents on January 16 and 23.
Both took place on the Greater Anglia Liverpool Street to Shenfield line, which passes through Romford station.
DC Graeme Knox, the investigating officer from British Transport Police (BTP) Stratford CID, said: “The 23-year-old victim was travelling alone on the busy 5.34pm service when she noticed a man standing very close behind her, who began to touch her inappropriately.
“Unable to move due to the crowdedness of the carriage the victim waited until a seat became available to move away from the man, who continued to stare at her until he left the train at Goodmayes.”
She reported the incident that evening.
A week later, a 15-year-old who was travelling to school was approached by the same man who sat opposite her on the train.
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DC Knox added: “She noticed him staring at her and then began touching himself indecently.”
She left the train at Goodmayes, but was followed by the man, before quickly getting on another train to Seven Kings, where she was followed again.
At Seven Kings the teenager quickly left the train, exited the station and reported the incident to police..
DC Knox said: “Both victims were left feeling frightened and violated, and intimidating behaviour of this nature is simply not acceptable.
“Women should be free to travel on the rail network at whatever time of day without fear of becoming a victim.”
If you recognise the man in the images or have any information, call BTP on 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference B3/LNA of 09/02/2012, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
