Man Arrested After Teenage Girl Raped in Toilet on Thameslink Train
Overview
Police have arrested a 30-year-old man after a teenage girl was raped in a toilet on a Thameslink train earlier this month.
Assault Began at Woolwich Arsenal Station
The 17-year-old victim was approached and sexually assaulted by a man on the platform at Woolwich Arsenal railway station at around 6:05am on Saturday, July 19, according to British Transport Police (BTP).
The man and the teenager then boarded a train bound for Abbey Wood around four minutes later. Shortly after departure, the victim was raped in a carriage toilet.
The suspect left the train at Abbey Wood, while the girl continued alone to Slade Green railway station and later reported the attack.
Arrest Made, Witness Appeal
A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape on July 24 and taken into custody. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
BTP is now appealing for witnesses.
“We would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the man and teenage girl together on the platform at Woolwich Arsenal, or later on the train,” a BTP spokesperson said.
How to Help
Anyone with information should:
- Text BTP on 61016
- Call 0800 40 50 40
- Quote reference 288 of 22 July