British Transport Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to after a woman in her early twenties was sexually assaulted and stalked across multiple London Underground stations, forcing her to jump onto a train as doors closed to escape her attacker.
The incident occurred between 9am and 9.45am on Thursday, 1 May, when the victim was followed off a District line train at Mile End station in East London. Despite the platform being relatively empty, the suspect stood “extremely close” to the woman before sexually assaulting her, according to police.
The man then followed the victim to a bench where she waited for an eastbound service, before boarding the same train whilst staring at her throughout the journey. At South Woodford, the woman was again followed off the train but she managed to escape him by jumping back onto the train as the doors closed.
Police Launch Public Appeal
Detective Constable Sarah Matthews from British Transport Police said officers are “taking this incident extremely seriously” and urged anyone who recognises the man to come forward immediately.
“This was a frightening ordeal for the victim who showed remarkable presence of mind to escape,” said Matthews. “We believe the man in the CCTV image may have vital information that could assist our investigation.”
Anyone who recognises them is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 394 of 1 May. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Rising Concerns About Sexual Offences on Transport
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about sexual harassment and assault on London’s public transport network. The total number of crimes committed on the Underground between January and August 2024 reached 16,288 – with the Central Line and Northern Line the worst-affected.
Transport for London figures show that sexual offences remain significantly underreported, with research indicating that 15% of women using public transport in London had been the subject of some form of unwanted sexual behaviour but that 90% of incidents went unreported.
“Unwanted sexual behaviour of any kind is completely unacceptable,” a TfL spokesperson said. “We’re working closely with BTP and the Metropolitan Police to tackle these crimes and encourage reporting.”
Enhanced Safety Measures
In response to rising concerns, British Transport Police launched Project Guardian in 2013, a joint initiative with the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police, and TfL aimed at reducing sexual offences and increasing reporting rates.
The force has also introduced the “See It, Say It, Sorted” campaign, encouraging passengers to report suspicious activity immediately. Since the launch of the campaign, we have seen an increase in reports of sexual offences.
All London Underground stations are staffed from first to last train, with more than 4,500 station colleagues available across the network to assist customers and ensure passenger safety. TfL has also been expanding CCTV coverage across trains and platforms to aid in crime prevention and investigation.
Expert Analysis on Reporting
Dr Emma Davies, a criminologist specialising in transport crime at the University of Westminster, emphasised the importance of reporting all incidents, regardless of severity.
“Many victims don’t report because they think it’s ‘just’ harassment or that nothing will be done,” Davies explained. But every report helps police build intelligence and potentially prevent escalation.”
The British Transport Police recorded a 13 per cent increase in Underground crime last year, though experts note this may partly reflect improved reporting rather than solely an increase in incidents.
Support for Victims
Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance, Policing and On-Street Services at TfL, said the organisation takes a “zero-tolerance approach” to sexual harassment and assault.
We want everyone to feel safe when travelling on our network,” Hayward stated. “If you experience or witness any form of unwanted sexual behaviour, please report it immediately – no incident is too minor.”
Victims of sexual assault can report incidents through multiple channels, including the BTP’s dedicated text service on 61016, which allows for discreet reporting whilst still on public transport. Support services are also available through organisations such as Victim Support and the Rape Crisis helpline.
What Happens Next
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to analyse CCTV footage from multiple stations and trains. British Transport Police confirmed they are following several lines of enquiry but stressed the importance of public assistance in identifying the suspect.
The incident has prompted renewed calls from safety campaigners for additional measures, including increased police presence during peak hours and enhanced lighting at station platforms. Transport for London is currently reviewing its safety strategy as part of its commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls on the transport network.
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