Woman raped on board a train as cops hunt witnesses

A WOMAN was raped on board a train as cops desperately hunt for witnesses.

Police have arrested a man after the victim was allegedly attacked in a toilet on a train in East Sussex on Friday, April 22.

Two men and a woman began speaking to each other on the platform before boarding the train heading from St Leonard’s Warrior Square to Wadhurst, according to the British Transport Police.

One man got off the train at Battle, and shortly after police say the other man sexually assaulted the woman before raping her in the toilet.

A 44-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the incident and released on police bail pending further investigation.

Police are now urging witnesses to come forward.

Detective Constable Gemma Littlewood, from BTP’s Major, Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: "This was a shocking and disturbing incident to happen to a young woman, who is now receiving specialist support from our officers.

"Thankfully we are not looking to identify anyone else in connection however our investigation is continuing at pace.

"I urge anyone with information, and particularly those known to have been in the area at the time of the incident, to get in touch as they may hold information which could be vital to our investigation."

Officers are keen to speak to the other man who was on the train just before the incident took place between 11pm and 11.30pm on April 22, to assist their enquiries.

He is described a white man in his 50s, of medium build and with a close shaven haircut.

He was wearing a dark coloured jumper with grey trousers and brown shoes.

They also want to speak to two other women who were seen on the same service.

They sat on a table and were approached by the man shortly after the incident.

People are asked to get in touch by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 772 of 22/04/22.