Man arrested over attempted rape on train

A 33-year-old man, from Barnsley, was questioned by British Transport Police following the incident on a train in November.

The victim — a 27-year old woman — was travelling with her partner on the delayed 10.24pm train from Sheffield to Leeds on Saturday, November 19.

When the woman’s partner went to the toilet, a man sat next to her and subsequently tried to rape her.

Her partner returned and physically moved the offender from his seat, before both alighted the train at Swinton.

The suspect has been bailed until January 20 while enquiries continue.

British Transport Police officers are still appealing for information in connection with the incident.

The offender was white, aged in his late twenties to early thirties, with brown hair and was wearing a blue puffer jacket.

He was with another man who was also white, aged in his late twenties to early thirties and wearing a black puffer jacket.

It is not known where the two men alighted the train.

Det Insp Mick Jackson said: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses already, but I believe there are still people who were on the train or perhaps on the platform who may have seen what took place, or have information about what happened prior to or after the incident which could help us to piece together what happened.

“Incidents of this nature on the railway network are rare and it is vital that we establish the exact circumstances of what happened.

“The victim continues to be supported by specially trained officers as the investigation continues.

“I would like to hear from anyone who was on the train who has not yet spoken to police, who may have seen or heard anything that could help with our investigation.

“If you recognise the description of the offenders or have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you, please call calling 0800 405040 or text 61016, quoting reference 147 of November 24.”