A WOMAN was allegedly sexually assaulted on a train between Taunton and Exeter on Wednesday July 15.

The British Transport Police have just released information about the incident, along with CCTV images of a man they want to trace, after a woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted. 

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

Detective constable Dean Jeffery, from the British Transport Police said: "Whilst on board the train at Taunton, the woman 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.

"He 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."

Lines of enquiry are being pursued by officers, who have also been studying CCTV footage from the train and a number of stations.

They have released these images of a man they would like to speak to.

Det Con 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 0800-405040, or text 61016, quoting reference G/B7 of 22/09/15.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.