A girl aged 16 has been left afraid of using public transport after she was subjected to a “nasty and abhorrent” sex assault.

The victim was left traumatised following the attack on a Great Western Railway service between West Drayton and London Paddington on February 15.

British Transport Police (BTP) is investigating and appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The teenage victim had boarded the busy train just after 10.40am, and was standing in a carriage as there were no free seats.

The suspect boarded the train at Hayes and Harlington and stood very close to the girl, making her feel uncomfortable.

As the train continued towards London, he began to press against the girl and touched her inappropriately, the police said.

The suspect boarded the London-bound train at Hayes and Harlington station

The victim, who BTP say had become extremely distressed, asked the man to stop, which alerted other passengers on the train.

She alighted at Ealing Broadway station and alerted police.

The suspect is described as black, approximately 30 to 40-years-old and around 5’10”.

He was slim and was wearing a long black coat, black trouser and had a flat cap on.

Police want to hear from anyone that witnessed the attack or knows the someone matching the description.

Detective Constable Suleman Yazdani, said: “This was a nasty and abhorrent assault which has left the victim frightened to use public transport.

“She was terrified by this man’s sexually aggressive behaviour, I am grateful that she had the confidence to report it to police.

“We’ll now do everything in our power to find this perpetrator.

“If you know someone who matches the description, please get in touch as you’ll be able to help me investigate.

“Likewise, if you were on this train and witness anything suspicious please contact us.”

Anyone with information can either send a text message to BTP on 61016, call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 268 of 16/02/17 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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