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Man sought over three train sexual assaults

British Transport Police have released images of a man they believe may assist their investigation into incidents between London and Essex.

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Detectives from British Transport Police (BTP) are seeking a man in connection with three sexual assaults and an attempted sexual assault that occurred on train services between London and Essex. The force released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation on August 25.

Details of the incidents

One incident involved a sexual assault that took place shortly after midnight on July 5. The assault occurred on a service travelling from London to Benfleet. Two further incidents, a sexual assault and an attempted sexual assault, are believed to have happened in March 2026 on services operating between London and Essex.

In one of these incidents, the man exited the train at Westcliff-on-Sea. Detectives are appealing for anyone who recognises the man pictured to come forward.

How to help the investigation

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. The reference number for the investigation, Operation Valhalla, must be quoted. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Reader briefing

Questions this report answers

Q/A
01What incidents are British Transport Police investigating?

British Transport Police are investigating three sexual assaults and one attempted sexual assault. These incidents took place on trains travelling between London and Essex, with one occurring on July 5 and two others in March 2026.

02What information do the police have about the suspect?

Police have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist their investigation. In one incident, the suspect is believed to have exited the train at Westcliff-on-Sea.

03How can I report information to the police?

Witnesses are asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference Op Valhalla. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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London-Essex train sex assaults | London Crime News