A THURROCK man was sexually assaulted on a late night tube train after D-Day celebrations.

The 26-year-old was getting a Central Line tube from Tottenham Court Road in London at about 11pm when a man began sexually assaulting him.

The assault lasted several minutes but the victim was too frightened to it, leading police to appeal for information regarding a crime commuters may not have realised they witnessed.

Detective Sergeant Phil Briggs, leading the investigation, said: “The 26-year-old victim, from Thurrock in Essex, had spent the evening out in London with friends.

“At around 11pm, he headed home, catching one of the last Central Line trains of the night from Tottenham Court Road.

“Shortly after the train departed, another man began to sexually assault him in the carriage. The assault lasted several minutes, until the victim got off the train at Mile End.

“Although there were other passengers in the carriage at the time, they may have not have realised what was happening as the victim was too frightened to react.

“Nevertheless, I am keen to speak to anyone who believes they might have been on the train at the time as they might have crucial information about what happened.

“I’m hoping people on the train might remember that evening well as it was the end of the D-Day anniversary commemorations.”

He added: ““This was a serious and sustained sexual-assault that left the victim extremely distressed. We’re doing all we can to catch the man responsible and bring him to justice before the courts.”

The suspect, who police have produced an Efit of, was described as white, in his 40s or 50s, with short spiky hair and chubby cheeks, wearing a grey suit and speaking with an English accent.

Anyone with information about the assault, which took place sometime between 11pm and 11.30pm on June 6, is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference TSUB/B16 of 04/07/2014.

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