'Help me': Police appeal for victim of alleged sexual assault after Tube passengers intervene
British Transport Police later arrested a man at Hammersmith station after he was detained by passengers
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Sign up to our free breaking news emails
Police are appealing for the victim of an alleged sexual assault to come forward after Tube passengers witnessed a man appear to assault her when she seemingly told the carriage “help me”.
The victim, who boarded a Piccadilly tube between Northfields and Hammersmith on 31 January at around 11.30pm, was seen with the man who had placed his arms around her as if they were a couple.
The pair sat down and the man then appeared to place his hands underneath her clothing.
Their actions were noted by fellow passengers who challenged the man over his relationship with the woman.
A statement from British Transport Police (BTP) claims the man then reportedly placed his hands over her mouth, but not before passengers were reported to have understood her to say: “help me”.
The 24-year-old man was detained by travellers and arrested by BTP officers. He has been bailed for 25 February.
After the arrest the unidentified woman left Hammersmith station without leaving her details with officers.
PC Paul Franklin said: “I am really keen to trace the woman who was allegedly assaulted. If you were travelling on this train and witnessed this incident, please get in touch with BTP. Any information could prove vital to this investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference TSUB/B10 of 12/02/15.
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.