Police authorities have released a surveillance image of an individual they wish to interview following two sexual assaults on a 12-year-old girl aboard a train. The young girl was targeted by the man while heading to the train’s lavatories with her mother just after 8 pm on August 16. According to the British Transport Police, the man pursued her and then assaulted her a second time as she exited the facilities. The train route was from Birmingham to Hereford.
An investigation has been initiated by the police force into this “deeply distressing” incident, which has left the victim and her family in shock. In connection with the assault, a photograph of the man was made public, depicting him with brown hair and a beard, wearing a grey t-shirt. Detective Sergeant Matthew Grieve from the British Transport Police mentioned that the individual in question could possess vital information crucial to their investigation.
Detective Sergeant Grieve expressed, “This is a profoundly distressing incident that has deeply affected the family. We are keen to have a conversation with the person shown in the image, as we believe he may hold critical information that could aid our inquiries.”
Individuals with any relevant information are urged to reach out to the authorities by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, providing reference 690 of August 16. Alternatively, anonymous tips can also be shared by contacting Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The official statement from the British Transport Police stated, “Can you identify this individual? Officers investigating the sexual assault of a minor girl on a train journey between Birmingham and Hereford have released this image for assistance. Shortly after 8 pm on Saturday, August 16, a man sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl who was accompanying her mother to the train toilets. Subsequently, he stalked and waited outside the restrooms, assaulting her once more upon her departure.”