The Metropolitan Police are calling upon the public to assist in an ongoing investigation into a series of disturbing incidents involving the harassment and assault of a woman by an unknown man. The incidents occurred during a morning commute and left the victim deeply shaken.
The first incident took place at approximately 06:20am on Tuesday, July 4, when a woman boarded a 116 bus in Staines Road, Feltham. She chose to sit on the top deck. To her dismay, a man who boarded the bus at the same stop sat directly behind her and proceeded to engage in inappropriate behavior.
The unidentified suspect initially attempted to touch the woman inappropriately through the seat gap. The victim instinctively leaned away, but this did not deter the man. He leaned forward, touched her waist, and subsequently reached over the seat, forcibly grabbed her shoulders, hugged her for approximately 30 seconds, and kissed her on her cheek against her will.
The distressing ordeal continued when the suspect followed the victim as she disembarked at Hounslow Bus Station. He then grabbed her right arm and attempted to pull her toward him in an unwanted embrace. Despite the victim’s repeated objections and attempts to break free, the assailant kissed her on the cheek yet again. He even asked her to repeat this unwanted interaction twice before ultimately walking away.
Around 20 minutes later, after the victim had changed to a route H37 bus toward Richmond, the suspect continued his troubling behavior. He followed her onto the bus, sat beside her, and proceeded to grab her leg. He disembarked from the bus at Isleworth Bus Station, while the victim remained on board, continuing her journey.
The Roads and Transport Policing Command promptly launched an investigation into these distressing incidents. As part of their inquiries, authorities have released images of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the case.
Detective Constable Charlotte Joseph, of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, expressed her concern for the victim, saying, “This was a really frightening and intimidating experience for the victim, which has left her nervous to travel. The suspect thought it was fine to harass, assault, and grab a young woman who was simply going about her daily business. It is absolutely not acceptable that any woman should have to deal with this type of behavior”.
DC Joseph continued by highlighting the importance of identifying and apprehending the suspect, as he may pose a continued threat to others. She urged anyone who believes they recognise the man in the images to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Members of the public with information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact the police at 101, quoting CAD 2394/08SEP23. Alternatively, anonymous information can be provided by calling 0800 555 111.
