Man tried to rape woman on train

The 27-year-old victim and her partner were travelling on the delayed 10.24pm train from Sheffield to Leeds on Saturday (November 19). 

The train left Sheffield at 10.40pm from platform 1B and prior to the train departing the victim’s partner went to the toilet and left her sitting by the window.

A spokeswoman for British Transport Police said: “While he was away, another man sat down next to the victim and attempted to rape the victim.  

“The victim’s partner returned from the toilet unaware of what had taken place and physically moved the offender from his seat.

“The victim and her partner alighted the train at Swinton railway station but it is not known where the offender alighted the train.”

The man was described as white, aged in his late twenties to early thirties, with brown hair and was wearing a blue Puffa jacket.

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

Investigating officer, Det Con Ian Grice said: “The victim is being supported by specially trained officers and an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of this incident and exactly what happened.  

“Sexual offences of this nature on the railway network are rare, but it is understandably incredibly distressing for the victim. 

“We take any offence of this nature extremely seriously and we're doing everything possible to identify the offender.

“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 contact me either by calling 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016."

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.