Have you seen this man in Broadbottom?

A SEX pest took advantage of two women passengers who he indecently assaulted as they stood side by side on a packed commuter train from Manchester.

One of his victims was forced to put up with him touching her for 10 minutes as she was unable to move in the crowded carriage.

The second victim challenged the man – who was dressed in a suit and tie – about his behaviour and he apologised before getting off the train at Broadbottom railway station.

British Transport Police have now issued a CCTV picture of a man they want to question about the incidents which happened on the 5.15pm Manchester-Glossop train on March 17.

Pc Lorraine Johnstone said: “We believe the man in the CCTV images may have vital information in relation to this incident and would ask anyone who recognises him to make contact with us.”

Police said the first victim, who is in her 20s, was forced to stand during the journey as the rush-hour train was so crowded – and as it pulled away from the platform at Manchester’s Piccadilly station she felt pressure on her groin. She tried to smooth her clothing, thinking it could have been another passenger’s bag, but was shocked to feel the hand of the man standing next to her.

Pc Johnston said: “Unfortunately because the train was so busy, the victim was unable to move away from the man, and had to endure the assault for about 10 minutes, at which point she was able to move slightly.

“As the journey progressed, the victim was able to move completely away from the man, but another woman boarded the train and was also touched inappropriately by the man.

“This was a disgraceful assault which took place over a prolonged period on a busy commuter train. The victim had little option but to endure the assault and she has been left extremely shaken as a result.

“Thankfully incidents of this nature are rare on the rail network and we work closely with the train operators to make the railways as safe as possible for travellers and staff. We are determined to trace the offender and are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.”

Anyone who recognises the man in the photograph, or has information that may help, is asked to contact BTP on 0800 405040 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Callers are asked to quote incident number 521/March 17.