POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an alleged sex attack on a train.

Two teenage girls were travelling from Southend to Billericay when a man started chatting to them.

He then went on to sexually assault one of the girls.

The incident happened on the 5.19pm train from Southend Victoria station to Billericay on June 29.

Detective Constable Paul Cudby, from the British Transport Police, said:“I believe there were passengers on the train who may be able to provide us with valuable information on the assault, and I would urge them to come forward.”

A 41-year-old man appeared at Basildon Magistrates on June 30, in connection with the incident.

He has been released on court bail until September 29.

Anyone with information about the assault should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B2 of 09/07/2014. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.