A WOMAN was sexually assaulted on a train, sparking a police investigation.

The victim was attacked on the c2c service from Upminster to Pitsea last night.

British Transport Police has launched an investigation into the incident and family of the victim say a man intervened during the attack.

A relative of the victim posted on Facebook about the incident on the train. She said the attacker got off the train at Pitsea yesterday afternoon and a man challenged him after the incident.

She said she wanted to thank for the man who challenged the attacked and she also appealed for any witnesses or people with information to come forward and speak with officers.

A total of 106 people joined the discussion on Facebook about the incident with many sending their regards and kind messages to the victim.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “British Transport Police received a report of a sexual assault on-board a train from Upminster to Pitsea station at 6.58pm yesterday evening.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 307 of 10/05/22.”