Girl raped on train to London as cops release CCTV image of man they're hunting

19 December 2023 , 07:36

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British Transport Police want to talk to this man (Image: BTP)

A teenage girl was raped on a train heading for London, police say.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released a CCTV image of a man they're hunting in relation to the incident on Saturday December 9. The girl was sexually assaulted and raped on board a train between Laindon, Essex and West Ham, East London, at around 12.30am.

The terrifying attack happened just minutes after she had boarded the service at Laindon. The BTP say that following a number of enquiries, they now want to speak to a man captured on CCTV while on the train. They believe the man has information that may help their investigation into this incident.

In the image, the man is wearing a puffy white coat with a dark hoodie underneath and a black beanie hat. As My London reports, the full statement from the British Transport Police says: "Detectives investigating a report of a rape of a teenage girl which took place on board a train between Laindon and West Ham are today releasing this CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection.

"The incident took place at around 12.30am on Saturday 9th December. The victim boarded the train at Laindon station and was sexually assaulted and raped. Following a number of enquiries, officers believe the man in the CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

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"Anyone who recognises him or has any other information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016, or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 25 of 09/12/23. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Anna Willis