British Transport Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak to after a woman was sexually assaulted while travelling alone on a train between Victoria and Tulse Hill, as new figures reveal a sharp rise in sexual offences across London’s transport network.
British Transport Police have launched a manhunt after a woman was sexually assaulted while travelling alone on a train. The incident took place at around 5.50pm on Monday, June 29, on a service running between London Victoria Station and Tulse Hill. According to police, a man sat down next to the woman and began making unwanted physical contact before sexually assaulting her, before moving away once he noticed other passengers looking over. Officers have since released an image of a man they believe may have information that could assist their enquiries.
Details of the investigation
British Transport Police believe the suspect left the train shortly after the assault, and detectives are now examining CCTV footage from stations along the route in an effort to trace his movements. Investigators are also reviewing on-board CCTV, station surveillance footage and train journey data as part of the wider inquiry.
Police have appealed for any passengers who were on the train at the time, particularly those who may have witnessed the incident or intervened, to come forward. Anyone with mobile phone footage, photographs or other relevant information has also been urged to contact the force. The victim is being supported by specially trained officers as the investigation continues.
In a statement, British Transport Police said: “Anyone who recognises him is asked to text BTP on 61016, or call 0800 40 50 40, using the reference 134 of 1 July. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Detectives have not indicated any link between this incident and other reported sexual assaults on London’s rail network, and are treating it as an isolated investigation. The force has said unwanted sexual behaviour on the railway should always be reported immediately, even where a suspect has already left the scene, noting that CCTV and ticketing records can often assist in identifying offenders. British Transport Police has also increased patrols and awareness efforts as part of its “Report It to Stop It” initiative, which encourages victims and witnesses to come forward.
Rising number of offences on London’s transport network
The incident comes as figures show reports of sexual offences on the London Underground have reached a five-year high. In March this year, a London Assembly report described “unacceptable” levels of violence against women and girls across the capital’s public transport network. According to the report, 4,593 sex-based offences against women and girls were recorded in 2025, yet only around 3 per cent led to a charge or summons. In 58 per cent of cases, no suspect was identified at all, despite the availability of extensive CCTV coverage and ticketing data that can be used to trace journeys.
The figures come alongside a separate report warning of the influence of figures such as Andrew Tate on young boys. Police have expressed concern that boys currently lack positive role models capable of challenging such views, and have warned that misogyny being spread online among younger audiences amounts to a form of extremism that should be tackled with the same seriousness as terrorism.
