Police are appealing for information after a man indecently touched himself in front of a women on three occasions on trains that run through Havering and Brentwood.

Investigators have released CCTV images of a man they would like to identify in connection with the incidents, which took place on Tuesday May 15, Wednesday May 16 and Sunday May 20.

Pc Dan Garnham, investigating officer, said, “On two occasions, a man boarded the train at Liverpool Street and sat next to women who were by themselves.

“During the journey, both women noticed the man touching himself underneath a newspaper.

“Whilst travelling on the 12.55am Liverpool Street to Shenfield service, the first woman, a 31-year-old from Brentwood, noticed what he was doing.

“Feeling extremely uncomfortable, she got up and moved further down the carriage away from the man.

“The next day, onboard the 4.40pm Liverpool Street to Gidea Park, we believe the same man boarded at Liverpool Street.

“A 41-year-old woman from Hornchurch noticed the man again touching himself underneath a newspaper.

“When he noticed that the woman could see him, he quickly left the service as it pulled into Chadwell Heath station.”

He added: “We believe he was also seen again a few days later, on Sunday May 20, onboard a train between Brentwood and Seven Kings, inappropriately touching himself.”

Police have carried out a number of enquiries in order to establish the identity of the man, including speaking to witnesses and circulating images on police intelligence systems, but to no avail.

PC Garnham added: “I have now released these CCTV images of a man I would like to trace as I believe he will be able to assist the investigation.

“I would ask anyone who knows the man’s identity, or his current whereabouts, to contact British Transport Police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, quoting incident reference B8/LNA of 06/07/2012.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.