Brighton train users urged to watch out for flasher

Do you recognise this man? SUS-170426-164927001

The investigation started in August 2016 when a woman in her 30s reported that a man exposed and touched himself inappropriately on board a Thameslink train between East Croydon and Farringdon.

Several months later – in December 2016 – a further two incidents were reported to BTP where a man was exposed and touched himself inappropriately.

Both incidents were on Thameslink trains, between St Pancras and Brighton and East Croydon and Gatwick Airport. The final, and most recent, incident occurred on a Thameslink train between St Albans City and West Hampstead station on April 2. A woman in her 60s was on board the train when a man exposed and touched himself inappropriately.

On January 24 this year, officers initially appealed for information regarding the incident between East Croydon and Gatwick. Today’s appeal comes as officers link the multiple incidents.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Allan McTaggart said: “All of these incidents occurred on board Thameslink trains, therefore I believe the suspect may work somewhere on the line or live closely to a Thameslink station.

“Therefore, I’d ask passengers who regularly commute on this line to be particularly vigilant. If you know the man shown in the CCTV image or spot him on your travels please get in touch – he may have information which could be vital to the investigation.

“In all of these cases, the suspect has changed his clothes after he has exposed himself to passengers. If you have noticed a man acting suspiciously in this way, again, we would like to hear from you.

“We will not tolerate unwanted sexual behaviour such as this and I would like to thank each of the victims for reporting these disgusting incidents to us. Every report of a sexual offence builds a picture and helps us to track offenders and bring them before the courts.”

Anyone with information is asked to send a text to 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 311 of 26/04/2017. Alternatively, pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.