Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they want to identify after a girl was sexually assaulted outside Vauxhall Tube station on a Sunday morning.
British Transport Police said the attack happened just after 8am on Sunday 30 August, when the girl was standing outside the south London station and was approached by a man.
The man spoke to her inappropriately before sexually assaulting her, then walked away, the force said.
Officers investigating the attack have now circulated CCTV images in connection with the case. Detectives want to speak to the man pictured because they believe he may have information that could help their enquiries. He is being sought as someone who may be able to assist the investigation, rather than as a suspect.
No further description of the man has been released beyond the images themselves.
The appeal was issued on Friday, just over a month after the incident, as detectives continue to follow up their enquiries.
“Detectives investigating a sexual assault in Vauxhall have released these images in connection. Just after 8am on Sunday 30 August, a girl was stood outside Vauxhall Underground station when a man approached her. He began to speak to her inappropriately before sexually assaulting her and walking away. Detectives would like to speak to the man pictured, as they believe he may have information which could help the investigation.”
A British Transport Police spokesperson
Anyone who recognises the man is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 223 of 30 August.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
It is the latest in a series of recent police appeals over sexual offences in the capital, including a CCTV appeal issued after a sexual assault near Baker Street station. Officers say image appeals can prove crucial in identifying people who may be able to help.
British Transport Police is the national force responsible for policing the railway network in England, Scotland and Wales, including London Underground stations.
Sexual offences are treated as serious crimes, and detectives routinely release images when they believe members of the public may be able to help identify someone connected to an investigation.
The force encourages passengers who witness a crime, or who feel unsafe while travelling, to report it — by texting 61016, calling 0800 40 50 40, or approaching uniformed officers and station staff. In an emergency, members of the public are advised to always dial 999.
Vauxhall, in the London Borough of Lambeth, is a major south London transport interchange served by the Victoria line, National Rail trains and a busy bus station. Its entrances and forecourt fill with commuters during the morning peak — the time of day the assault took place. The assault happened outside the station, in an area used by thousands of passengers changing between Tube, rail and bus services each day.
Detectives are continuing their enquiries and are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area around 8am on 30 August. Officers say even seemingly small details — such as noticing the man in the area before or after the incident — could help them piece together what happened.
Police appeals of this kind often rely on members of the public who were nearby at the time, even if they did not see the incident itself, as they may have seen those involved arriving at or leaving the scene.
In a separate case reported by London Streets, a Plumstead man was accused of rape and sexual assault.
Anyone who has been affected by sexual assault can contact the police or a specialist support organisation for help and advice.
London Streets will update this story as the investigation develops.
