A 17-year-old boy has been arrested following allegations he sexually assaulted multiple women during a two-hour spree across London’s transport network on 5 September, British Transport Police have confirmed.
The teenager allegedly targeted at least five women in separate attacks spanning from Harlesden Tube station in north-west London to West Hampstead Thameslink, with incidents occurring on Underground trains, mainline services and station platforms between 4.40pm and 7pm.
British Transport Police said officers have made an arrest in connection with the linked assaults and are continuing their investigation. They are urgently appealing for witnesses and potential additional victims to come forward as they piece together the full extent of the alleged attacks.
Timeline of Alleged Attacks
The first incident occurred at approximately 4.40pm when a woman travelling on the Bakerloo line was allegedly sexually assaulted by the teenager at Harlesden Underground station in north-west London. Police believe the suspect then moved through the transport network, targeting multiple victims in quick succession.
Shortly afterwards, two more women were allegedly sexually assaulted on a Thameslink train and the platform at Blackfriars railway station in central London. The suspect is then believed to have attacked another woman on a Thameslink service heading towards St Pancras railway station at around 6.40pm.
The final reported incident occurred at approximately 7pm at West Hampstead Thameslink station, where another woman was allegedly attacked. The five incidents across different locations and transport modes suggest the suspect deliberately moved through the network seeking victims.
Officers confirmed an arrest has been made and said enquiries are continuing. They added: “They would like anyone who witnessed these incidents – or who may possibly have been a victim themselves – to come forward.”
Police Appeal for Witnesses
British Transport Police are particularly keen to speak with anyone who was travelling on the affected services or through the stations during the two-hour period. CCTV footage from trains and stations is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
Detective sources familiar with transport crime patterns described the alleged spree as “highly unusual” in its scope and duration. The incidents allegedly took place during the busy evening commute period when trains and platforms would have been crowded with passengers.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact British Transport Police on 61016, or call 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 656 of 5 September. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Rising Concerns About Transport Safety
The alleged attacks come amid heightened concerns about sexual offences on London’s transport network. Recent Transport for London data shows sexual offences against women and girls can occur anywhere and at any time, though they most commonly happen on crowded services during commuting hours.
YouGov research has revealed that 39 per cent of Londoners have experienced sexual harassment whilst travelling on public transport, including 55 per cent of women and 21 per cent of men. However, only two per cent of victims report incidents to authorities, highlighting significant under-reporting.
Government research indicates that 84 per cent of women and 60 per cent of men in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime. UN research from 2021 found that 71 per cent of women of any age had experienced sexual harassment in public spaces.
Recent Cases Highlight Pattern
The arrest follows several high-profile cases of sexual assault on London transport. Just days ago, 18-year-old Hadi Al Koumi from Ealing was jailed for four years and eight months after sexually assaulting four women over three days on the Underground network in August 2024.
Detective Sergeant Matthew Nolan, commenting on the Al Koumi case, said: “He’s clearly a dangerous predator who has exhibited a disturbing and abhorrent pattern of offending towards women.” Al Koumi was captured on CCTV during all four offences and was arrested when officers spotted him at Perivale station.
Earlier this year, British Transport Police launched investigations into multiple sexual assault cases, including incidents at Arnos Grove Tube station and on Northern Line services. Crime rates on the Underground rose by 13 per cent last year, with 16,288 crimes committed between January and August 2024.
Image Credit:
Harlesden railway and Underground station, Greater London — photo by Nigel Thompson, CC BY-SA 2.0.
