Police are hunting five suspects in connection with a series of sexual attacks across London’s bus network. The incidents occurred between March and July in various parts of the city and are not believed to be linked.
Despite London’s transport network generally having low crime levels, police say these incidents are unacceptable. Advances such as CCTV and contactless payments typically help catch offenders quickly. However, some suspects remain unidentified, prompting police to appeal to the public for assistance.
Detective Superintendent Christina Jessah, from the Metropolitan Police’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “Sexual assaults on buses are very rare but serious. We are committed to supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice. Technology helps, but public tips are vital. We urge anyone affected or who witnesses offences to come forward.”
The five incidents under investigation are as follows:
- Incident A: A 22-year-old woman was assaulted on Route 149 between Edmonton and Stoke Newington at 10.30pm on Sunday, 30 May. (Ref: CAD 3342/19AUG)
- Incident B: A 30-year-old man was attacked on Route N207 between Uxbridge and Hayes shortly after 1.45am on Tuesday, 27 July. (Ref: CAD 3354/19AUG)
- Incident C: A man indecently exposed himself at Collingwood Road bus stop in Sutton at 5.45pm on Sunday, 27 June. (Ref: CAD 6756/27JUN)
- Incident D: An 18-year-old man was assaulted on Route U4 near Hillingdon Hospital at 3.20pm on Friday, 11 June. (Ref: CAD 2457/14JUN)
- Incident E: A 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted near Green Lanes, N13, on Route 102 at 7.50am on Thursday, 25 March. (Ref: CAD 1361/25MAR)
Detective Superintendent Jessah added: “These vile acts will not be tolerated and have no place on our buses or in our communities. We remain determined to keep bus routes safe.”
Mandy McGregor, Transport for London’s Head of Transport Policing and Community Safety, said: “No one should face unwanted sexual behaviour on our transport. We’re working closely with police to catch offenders fast. With around 2,500 officers patrolling and extensive CCTV, safety is our top priority. Please report any information.”
If you have any information, contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting the relevant CAD reference above. You can also share information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
