Key Points
- British Transport Police (BTP) have issued CCTV footage of a man wanted for identification in connection with the sexual assault.
- The case allegedly took place on a train between Manchester and Peterborough around 11.45am on Friday, September 11, 2026.
- According to BTP, a woman was asleep when a man repeatedly sexually assaulted her.
- She woke up, pushed him away and moved to another area of the train.
- BTP claims that the man got off the service at its final destination in Peterborough.
- According to detectives, the man featured in the CCTV pictures might have knowledge useful for the investigation.
- People who recognize the man are encouraged to send an anonymous text message to 61016 or phone 0800 40 50 40, citing reference 552 of September 13.
- Anonymous information can be submitted to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
- An arrest has not been made as of the writing of this article.
Manchester (Manchester Mirror) October 14, 2026 — British Transport Police have released CCTV images as part of an investigation into the reported sexual assault of a woman on a train travelling from Manchester to Peterborough.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, officers said the incident occurred at around 11.45am on Friday, September 11, while the woman was asleep on board the service. BTP said a man repeatedly sexually assaulted her before she woke and pushed him away.
The force said the woman then moved to another part of the train. According to BTP, the man got off at the service’s final stop in Peterborough.
Why have police released CCTV images?
British Transport Police released the images because detectives want to speak to the man pictured in connection with the investigation. The force said it believes he may have information that could help officers establish what happened.
As reported by a BTP spokesperson in coverage published by the Manchester Evening News, the investigation concerns an alleged assault on a train from Manchester to Peterborough. The spokesperson said:
“At around 11.45am on Friday 11 September, a man repeatedly sexually assaulted a woman who was asleep on board the service.”
The spokesperson added:
“She woke up, pushed him away and moved to another part of the train.”
What did British Transport Police say?
BTP said detectives investigating the sexual assault had released the CCTV images in connection with the case. The force asked anyone who recognises the man to contact its officers.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, BTP said the man shown in the images may hold information that could assist the inquiry. The force urged members of the public who recognise him to get in touch.
In its coverage, CambridgeNews quoted the BTP spokesperson as saying:
“The man got off the service at its final stop in Peterborough.”
How can people contact British Transport Police?
BTP has asked anyone with information to text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 552 of September 13.
People who do not wish to provide their details can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The appeal was reported by several regional and national outlets on October 14, including the Manchester Evening News, CambridgeNews, Hunts Post, Peterborough Matters and The Sun.
Has anyone been arrested?
No arrest has been reported in the available coverage. The published reports say police have released images of a man they wish to speak to, rather than naming a suspect or confirming an arrest.
The reports describe the incident as an alleged sexual assault and identify the man sought by police as someone who may have information relevant to the investigation. No further identifying details about the woman or the man have been released in the available reporting.
What is known about the train service?
The service was travelling from Manchester to Peterborough. BTP said the man left the train at Peterborough, which was described as the final stop.
The incident was said to have taken place in daylight, at around 11.45am. The Sun reported that the woman was asleep when the alleged assault occurred and that she pushed the man away after waking.
Background of the development
British Transport Police investigates crime on the railway network across Britain, including offences reported on train services and at stations. The force regularly uses CCTV appeals to identify people it believes may be able to help investigations.
In this case, the appeal was issued almost a month after the reported incident, with police releasing images on October 14 in connection with an event said to have happened on September 11. The available reports do not explain why the images were released on that date, and no additional operational details have been published.
The reporting consistently attributes the account of the incident to BTP. The force’s statement forms the main source of information about the time, location, actions described and the appeal for witnesses.
Prediction: How could this affect rail passengers?
For rail passengers travelling through Manchester and Peterborough, the appeal may increase awareness of reporting routes for incidents on trains. Passengers who witness or experience an offence may be more likely to contact rail staff, use the emergency communication systems on board, or report information to British Transport Police.
The case could also prompt greater attention to CCTV coverage and passenger safety on long-distance services. If members of the public recognise the man pictured, the appeal may generate information for detectives; however, the outcome of the investigation remains unknown and no conclusions should be drawn about any individual shown in the images.
For commuters, the practical effect is likely to be continued reliance on visible staff presence, onboard reporting systems and police appeals. Passengers should follow official British Transport Police guidance if they have information, rather than attempting to identify or confront anyone themselves.
