A MALE passenger sat down next to a woman on a train through Taunton and sexually assaulted her, according to British Transport Police.

Detectives are appealing for information following the alleged attack on a train between Plymouth and London Paddington.

The 21-year-old woman boarded the train at Plymouth on Friday, November 11, at 9am.

A BTP spokesman said: "During her journey a man sat next to her and then touched her inappropriately.

"She challenged the man who then moved to a different seat.

"He then left the train at Paddington and entered the London Underground."

Detectives have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak with in connection with the inicident.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Andrew Parkinson, said: “Unwanted sexual behaviour is totally unacceptable and we are working hard to trace the man responsible.

“We believe that the man in the CCTV images has vital information that can help us investigate.

"If you know who he is, please get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800-405040 quoting reference 164 of 08/12/2016.

Alternatively, you can pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.