Police are seeking a man after an alleged sexual assault on a teenage girl on a train travelling from Crewe to Manchester Piccadilly.
British Transport Police (BTP) released CCTV footage on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as part of an urgent appeal for the public’s help. Detectives say the man pictured may hold key information about the incident, which took place more than three months earlier. Officers are asking anyone who recognises him to come forward quoting reference 639 of March 17.
The incident happened just before 7pm on Saturday, March 14. According to investigators, the man boarded the train at Crewe railway station – a major Cheshire hub – having travelled from Liverpool. He then sat next to a teenage girl and is believed to have sexually assaulted her before leaving the train at Manchester Piccadilly, the principal station in the North West.
The appeal comes after a notable delay between the alleged assault and the release of the CCTV image. BTP detectives continue to investigate and believe that identifying the man is the primary focus, with public assistance considered vital to moving the inquiry forward.
How to help the investigation
Witnesses or anyone with information can contact the British Transport Police in several ways. The force operates a dedicated text number for non‑emergency reports: 61016. Alternatively, members of the public can call 0800 40 50 40. In both cases, callers should quote reference 639 of March 17 to help officers link the information directly to this case.
For those who wish to remain completely anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers does not trace calls or ask for personal details, allowing people to pass on what they know without being identified. This option is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The appeal forms part of a wider pattern of BTP operations using CCTV to identify suspects. In a separate case in June 2026, British Transport Police secured the conviction of Abdulmanon Aliev, a 50‑year‑old from Tajikistan, who was jailed for 12 years for an “abhorrent” sexual assault on a 13‑year‑old girl on a Southend to London train. That case, which included attempted rape and assault by penetration, resulted in Aliev being placed on the sex offenders register for life and highlighted the lasting trauma victims can suffer.
Anyone who recognises the man from the CCTV footage is urged to act immediately. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could prove crucial to the investigation.
