Manhunt launched after sleeping woman sexually assaulted on train

A manhunt has been launched after a woman was sexually assaulted while she was sleeping on board a train.

Police say the woman was on travelling between Edinburgh and Wolverhampton at around 9am on Thursday, October 23 when she woke up to a man sexually assaulting her.

The suspect then got off at Wolverhampton station. Officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) have today released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the attack.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Detectives investigating a sexual assault on board a train between Edinburgh and Wolverhampton are releasing this image in connection.

"At around 9am on Thursday 23 October, a woman travelling on the service woke up to a man sexually assaulting her.

"He then got off the train at Wolverhampton station.

"Detectives believe the man in the CCTV image may have information that could help with their investigation."

Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP, either by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 221 of 23 October 2025.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.