Detectives investigating a sexual assault at Stockwell Underground station have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to.
The incident happened at 5.50pm on Sunday, September 20, on the northbound Victoria Line platform, where a woman was sexually assaulted while waiting for a train.
The appeal, issued today, comes more than three weeks after the assault — a reminder of how long such investigations can take as detectives work through CCTV footage and other evidence before going public.
The appeal
British Transport Police (BTP) has released the image as part of its ongoing investigation into the assault.
A BTP spokesperson said: “At 5.50pm on Sunday 20 September, a man sexually assaulted a woman as she waited for a train on the northbound Victoria Line platform.”
“Detectives would like to speak to the man pictured, as they believe he may have information which could help their ongoing investigation.”
How to help
Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 504 of September 20.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Safety on the Tube
The Victoria Line is one of the busiest routes on the London Underground, carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers each day. Stockwell station serves as an interchange between the Victoria and Northern lines in south London, and its platforms are typically crowded during the evening rush hour.
The 5.50pm timing of the assault places it squarely in the evening peak, when platforms are at their busiest. That the offence could occur in such circumstances underscores why police take these reports seriously and why CCTV appeals matter — even on crowded platforms, identifying an offender depends on clear images and public recognition.
British Transport Police is the national police force for the rail network, responsible for policing the Tube, mainline railways and tram systems. The force encourages passengers to report any unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport.
BTP runs regular campaigns encouraging victims and witnesses of sexual offences on the transport network to come forward, emphasising that such behaviour is never acceptable and will be investigated. The force has previously said that under-reporting remains a challenge, and that every report helps build a picture of offending patterns.
Passengers who experience or witness a sexual offence on the Tube can text 61016 to reach BTP discreetly, call 0800 40 50 40, or speak to station staff or a police officer. In an emergency, always call 999.
Why CCTV appeals work
CCTV appeals are one of the most effective tools available to transport police. London’s Underground network is covered by thousands of cameras, and clear images released to the public frequently lead to identifications.
Members of the public who recognise someone from a CCTV appeal but wish to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers, which never asks for personal details.
What happens next
Enquiries remain ongoing. Detectives will follow up on any information received from the public in response to the CCTV appeal.
If the man in the image is identified and there is sufficient evidence, the case could proceed to charging and court proceedings. Sexual assault is a serious offence that can carry a significant prison sentence on conviction.
The timing of the appeal — issued on a Tuesday afternoon — is designed to maximise visibility, catching both the evening commute and the wider news cycle. Police forces often time such appeals for maximum public attention.
London Streets has been covering the murder conviction of Alfie Conway-Ryle and the sentencing of Mahrah Al Nahyan for child neglect.
