Police are hunting a sex attacker who attacked an 11-year-old girl on a train from Chadwell Heath.

She was returning home from school in Chadwell Heath aboard the 3.42pm service to Liverpool Street last Thursday (May 19).

Shortly after taking a seat she was approached by a man who sat down beside her and began talking to her.

He then pulled her into the rear carriage of the train and touched her indecently.

Her attacker also got off the train at Maryland, near Stratford, but fled the scene before police arrived.

British Transport Police want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the suspect, who is described as black, aged between 25 and 30, 6ft 2in tall and of thin build.

He had a small moustache and was wearing a red t-shirt, red baseball cap and a dark body warmer with red lining.

The victim was wearing a white polo shirt, black leather jacket, black trousers and white trainers.

Det Con Sally Everritt said: “Both the victim and the man were initially sat in one of the rear coaches of what is typically a busy service. I want to speak to anyone who was travelling on this train and who saw either the victim or the man we are trying to identify.

“Offences like this are very rare on the rail network in East London but we are treating this incident very seriously and are currently conducting several lines of enquiry to trace the man responsible. We will also be speaking with witnesses and carrying out anniversary visits in the area.

Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.