British Transport Police have launched an urgent hunt for a man who dragged a woman to the floor and attempted to rape her on a Bakerloo line train in London. The attack occurred late last Saturday, shortly before midnight, as the train travelled between Waterloo and Lambeth North.
Details of the attack
According to police, a man approached a lone woman on the train and exposed himself to her. He then forcibly pulled her out of her seat and down to the ground, where he tried to rape her. The woman fought back and fled the carriage when the train stopped at Lambeth North station. She alerted Tube staff, who contacted the authorities.
The attacker remained on the train and alighted at Elephant and Castle Underground station. Officers have been tracking his movements and believe he was also at Oxford Circus before the attack and Piccadilly Circus Underground station after it.
Police appeal for information
Detective Sergeant Krishan Appannah said: 'Our officers are supporting the victim following this horrific incident. We understand incidents of this nature are deeply concerning for the public and we’re appealing to them directly to help us identify the man in the CCTV footage. One line of enquiry is that he may be homeless.'
British Transport Police have released images of a man they are working to identify as part of the investigation. They are urging anyone who recognises him to text his name to 61016 quoting reference 948 of 11 July. 'He may have vital information that could assist our ongoing investigation,' DS Appannah added.
Ongoing investigation and support
Officers continue to support the victim following the attack. The incident has raised concerns about safety on public transport, particularly late at night. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting inquiries to trace the suspect's movements before and after the attack.
