British Transport Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to after another man was sexually assaulted on a busy morning rush-hour train on the Elizabeth line.
The reported attack occurred on Monday, 16 June at around 8am whilst the two men were standing near the train doors on a service travelling between Chadwell Heath and Whitechapel in east London.
Detectives believe the man captured in the CCTV footage may have information that could help with their investigation and are urging anyone who recognises him to contact police immediately.
Rush Hour Attack on London’s Newest Railway
The incident took place during peak morning commute hours on the Elizabeth line, London’s newest railway which opened in May 2022 and now carries approximately 700,000 passenger journeys every weekday.
According to British Transport Police, the assault occurred as the victim and the suspect were standing near the doors of the train during the journey between the two east London stations.
A BTP spokesperson said: “On Monday 16 June at around 8am a man sexually assaulted another man as they stood near the doors of the train. Detectives believe the man in the CCTV image may have information that could help with their investigation.”
The force has now released images showing a man they believe may have crucial information about the incident.
Public Appeal for Information
Members of the public who recognise the man in the CCTV images are asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 688 of 16 June.
Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The appeal comes as Transport for London and policing partners continue efforts to tackle sexual harassment and assault on the capital’s transport network, with campaigns encouraging victims and witnesses to report incidents.
Rising Crime on Elizabeth Line
The incident forms part of a concerning trend on the Elizabeth line, which has seen crime rates increase significantly since opening. According to data from London City Hall, there were 1,435 reported offences on the Elizabeth line in 2024, representing a 33.1 per cent year-on-year rise from 1,078 incidents in 2023.
The crime rate rose to 9.7 incidents per million passenger journeys in 2024, up from 8.2 the previous year. The increase was driven largely by rises in theft of public property, public order offences, and violence, with incidents occurring predominantly between afternoon and evening hours.
Since opening, there have been 164 reported injuries for customers at Elizabeth line stations, including 161 minor and three serious incidents, according to a recent Freedom of Information request.
Zero Tolerance Approach
British Transport Police maintains a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and sexual offences on the rail network. The force’s specialist teams monitor reports and calls 24/7, whether received via text to 61016, the Railway Guardian app, online reporting, or by calling 0800 40 50 40.
“We know that sexual harassment can have a real impact on those who experience it or fear it,” BTP states on its website. We are working with our rail industry partners nationwide to make sure that you can travel safely and free from any kind of harassment.
When necessary, BTP will alert nearby officers and send them to help victims, with officers potentially meeting trains at the next station in urgent cases.
Tackling Sexual Offences on Public Transport
The investigation comes amid ongoing efforts to combat sexual harassment on London’s transport network. In 2021, Transport for London launched a campaign in partnership with the Rail Delivery Group, British Transport Police, Metropolitan Police Service and women’s safety groups to highlight their zero-tolerance approach to all forms of sexual harassment and violence.
The campaign followed findings that 15 per cent of women using public transport in London had experienced some form of unwanted sexual behaviour, but that 90 per cent of incidents went unreported.
Siwan Hayward, Director of Compliance, Policing, Operations and Security for TfL, has emphasised: “We are working with our transport policing partners in the MPS and BTP to make sure our public transport networks are safe, and feel safe, for all our customers and staff.”
Supporting Victims Through Justice Process
BTP has outlined its commitment to supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process. After making a report, victims may be asked to provide a formal statement, though this is voluntary. The force emphasises that statements can help catch offenders and prevent others from experiencing unwanted sexual behaviour.
If an offender is found and arrested, BTP will investigate further and may ask additional questions. A decision will then be made about whether the person should be charged. If charges are brought and the offender pleads not guilty, there will be a court hearing, with BTP supporting victims throughout the process.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah White of British Transport Police has previously stated: “Unfortunately, incidents of sexual harassment are significantly under-reported as many people have come to accept this type of behaviour in public places. This needs to change.”
How to Report Sexual Harassment
British Transport Police encourages anyone experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment to report it immediately:
- Text 61016 (monitored 24/7)
- Call 0800 40 50 40
- Report online at btp.police.uk
- Use the Railway Guardian app
- In an emergency, always call 999
The force emphasises that victims don’t need to prove an offence was criminal or intentional – BTP will investigate all reports. Mobile service providers may charge a small fee for texting 61016, and the service may be unavailable to those out of credit or with premium rate numbers blocked.
As the Elizabeth line continues to see increasing passenger numbers – with forecasts suggesting 226 million journeys for the 2024/25 financial year – ensuring passenger safety remains a critical priority for transport authorities and police.
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