British Transport Police have launched a desperate appeal after a woman was sexually assaulted while asleep on a long-distance Avanti West Coast train. The shocking attack happened on the service travelling from Edinburgh Waverley to Wolverhampton early on the morning of Thursday, 23 October 2025.
The victim woke around 9:00 a.m. GMT to find a man attacking her. The suspect immediately fled the train when it pulled into Wolverhampton station, leaving the traumatised woman to report the crime to authorities.
CCTV Released as Police Hunt Suspect
Detectives say the man captured on CCTV inside the train could hold key information or be the attacker himself. A spokesperson for British Transport Police said:
“At around 9am on Thursday 23 October, a woman travelling on the service woke to a man sexually assaulting her. He got off the train at Wolverhampton station. We believe the man in the CCTV image may help our investigation.”
The police appeal went public nearly three weeks after the assault. Officers are urging anyone recognising the man to come forward immediately. Contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 221 of 23 October 2025. Anonymity can be maintained through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Safety Fears Rise on Britain’s Long-Distance Trains
This terrifying incident throws fresh focus on the safety of lone travellers, especially women, on Britain’s rail network. The Edinburgh-Wolverhampton route spans hundreds of miles, often timed for early morning or late night journeys where passengers may sleep.
- The victim was alone when the attacker took advantage of her sleeping state.
- BTP are reviewing CCTV from Wolverhampton station and multiple cameras on the train.
- Sexual offences on trains rose 37% from 2014 to 2024, according to BTP, sparking calls for better security.
Police revealed no arrests have been made after weeks of investigations, highlighting the case’s complexity. The released CCTV image shows the suspect in casual clothes but detailed descriptions remain withheld to protect the probe.
Public Urged to Step Up and Help Catch Attacker
Social media shares of the appeal have soared, with thousands viewing the post within hours. Despite some tips, no breakthrough has been announced. Detectives continue scouring footage and leads.
Wolverhampton station’s importance as a West Midlands hub may hold clues to the suspect’s identity, suggesting local knowledge or residence.
“Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial,”
the BTP spokesperson said.
“We are determined to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.”
The case is a chilling reminder of the risks women face when travelling alone, especially when vulnerable during sleep on long train journeys. Campaigners are urging rail operators to boost staff presence and CCTV coverage to deter predators and protect passengers.
Britain’s transport authorities and police now face mounting pressure to improve safety without scaring off commuters and travellers who rely on rail every day.
