Police Hunt Man After Sexual Assault on Exeter Train

British Transport Police detectives have released CCTV images of a man they want to trace after a woman was sexually assaulted on a train between Taunton to Exeter.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, 15 July, on board a London Paddington to Penzance train.

Detective Constable Dean Jeffery, investigating, said: “Whilst on board the train at Taunton, a woman in her 20s noticed a male sat opposite her. This male struck up a conversation with the lady, and shortly after the train left Tiverton station, the man moved seats to sit next to the woman and began to sexually assault her.

“The man left the train at Exeter St David’s station, at which point the victim reported the matter to the train guard, who informed British Transport Police. Despite a search of the local area, nobody matching the suspect’s description was found.”

Officers have been pursing several lines of enquiry, including studying CCTV footage from the train and a number of stations, leading to today’s release of stills of a man they want to speak to.

DC Jeffery added: “Who is the man in the CCTV images? That’s the question we need the public’s help to answer. If you know who he is, or have any further information, please get in touch with BTP or Crimestoppers, as soon as possible.

“This was understandably an incredibly distressing experience for the woman and something nobody should have to experience. We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and are working hard to catch the person responsible and bring them to justice through the courts.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference G/B7 of 22/09/15. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.