POLICE have released this image after a woman was touched inappropriately on a train in North Yorkshire.

British Transport Police said the incident happened on the 1.06pm service between Harrogate and York on Friday, September 16.

A spokeswoman said the victim, a 20-year-old woman from Edinburgh, was first approached by the man who attempted to engage her in conversation while waiting to board the train, then sat next to her.

While the train was moving, he then placed his head on her shoulder before inappropriately touching her legs and thighs.

PC Robert McDonald said: "This was an extremely upsetting incident for the victim, who was so distressed she has only just been able to provide us with a statement.

"I am keen to speak with this man in the CCTV image, who left the train at York as I believe he has essential information that will assist our enquiries.

"We simply will not tolerate unwanted sexual behaviour of this nature on the rail network. If you are ever a victim of sexual assault, please report it to us so we can trace and stop these perpetrators."

Anyone with any information should contact police by texting to 61016 or phoning 0800-405040 quoting reference 294 of 4/11.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.