Police have launched an appeal for information after a man was spotted 'touching himself' in front of a woman at Ockendon station.

The indecent behaviour was spotted by a witness on Ockendon station platform at on June 4 at 11am, who then stepped in to tell the man not to get on the train.

The woman and witness then left on the next train, and the perpetrator stayed behind.

Police have released a CCTV image of the man who officers want to speak to.

PC Joseph Mills said: “A 25-year-old man was waiting for a train, when he noticed another man staring at a woman sitting on a bench.

“The man appeared to be touching himself inappropriately, and the woman appeared upset by the incident.

“Seeing all this, the witness challenged the man’s behaviour and told him to stop what he was doing.

“He apologised for his actions and was told by the witness not to get on board the same train as the woman. A request which he agreed to.”

After the offence was reported, police viewed CCTV footage from the station.

PC Mills said: “This was an unsavoury incident. Nobody should have to put up with unwanted sexual behaviour on the rail network.

“I think the man in the image we are issuing today has information which will prove helpful to our investigation. Please let us know who he is.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B10 of 23/06/2015.