Appeal over sex attack on train

Police have launched an appeal for information after a woman was sexually assaulted on a train travelling between Blackpool and Manchester.

The incident happened on Sunday, 5 June at around 4.30 pm as the train called at Salford Crescent station.

The 18-year-old woman had boarded the train, the 3.21pm service to Manchester Victoria at Blackpool North.

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PC Marcus Haigh, investigating, said: “The victim had boarded the train at Blackpool North and taken a seat. A man boarded the service at Bolton and took the seat next to her, before sexually assaulting her.

“This was a terrifying experience for the young woman who has been left shaken and traumatised by what happened. We need to hear from anyone who was on the same service and may have witnessed what happened.

“We take all reports of this nature very seriously and Our Report It to Stop It campaign, which aims to combat unwanted sexual behaviour on the railway by encouraging members of the public to report it, is proving very successful in supporting victims and bringing perpetrators of these crimes to justice.”

Anyone with information which may assist this investigation is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference number 279 of 22/06/2016.