A TEENAGE girl was sexually assaulted while travelling to college on a train.

British Transport Police are investigating after receiving reports a man inappropriately touched a 17-year-old girl on board a c2c train travelling between Tilbury and Southend.

In a public appeal shared across social media more than 660 times, the victim’s sister, who cannot be named for legal reasons, urged passengers to be vigilant.

She described the suspect as about 5ft 8ins with a tattoo on the right side of his neck.

She added: “He took it upon himself to harass my sister while she was on her way to college by asking her personal questions even though she asked him several times to move and leave her alone.”

The sister described the man placing his hand on the victim’s knee before moving it further up her thigh.

She said: “She was frozen with shock and she told him not to touch her but he then repeated his actions.

“It was as this point a male on the same carriage realised what was happening.

“He intervened and confronted the man and asked him to stop bothering her, allowing her to get up and move until she reached the next stop where she exited the train.

“Please can people share as he needs to be caught.

“My sister is now frightened to get the train as she travels alone for the majority of the time she doesn’t want anyone else to feel as helpless and uncomfortable as she did.”

British Transport Police (BTP) and c2c are working to try and track the suspect down.

c2c confirmed that their staff reported the incident as soon as they were made aware of it and are working with BTP officers to help share evidence including CCTV footage.

A spokesman for the force said: “Officers from British Transport Police are currently investigating a sexual assault which happened on a train at Southend station.

“The incident happened on board a c2c service travelling between Tilbury and Southend at approximately 10.50am on Wednesday morning.

“A 17-year-old girl was touched inappropriately.

“Numerous inquiries are already underway, including seizing any available CCTV images and speaking with witnesses.”

Anyone with information about this incident, can contact the British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who feels unsafe on a train can text BTP on 61016 to alert them to non-emergency incidents.

In an emergency dial 999.