by Jenni Horn

Witnesses are being urged to come forward after a three-year-old boy was sexually assaulted on a train.

The British Transport Police (BTP) is investigating after a boy was touched inappropriately on a train between Chatham and Bromley South.

The incident happened on Thursday, December 30, 2011, at about 5.30pm, but officers have now made an appeal for information.

DC Andy Parkinson, who is leading the BTP investigation, said: "The child was travelling on the 17.32 Gillingham to London Victoria service with his mother.

“He had left his seat to wander up the aisle, and as his mother followed him she noticed a man touch him inappropriately."

A 53-year-old man, of no fixed address, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and is currently on police bail pending further enquiries, due to return on Wednesday, February 22.

DC Parkinson added: “I am particularly keen to speak with a key witness who may have seen this incident happen and have crucial information that may assist the investigation - and who I believe left the train at St Mary Cray station.

“Our investigation is ongoing and as part of our bid to build up a full picture of what took place, I’m urging anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward and speak to us.

“The carriage was busy at the time and we believe that fellow passengers may have witnessed the incident, and could help with our investigation.

“Incidents like this are very rare, but this was clearly a very distressing and intimidating experience for the boy’s mother.

“If you were on the train at the time of the incident and have any information that could assist the investigation, please get in touch.”

Anyone who with information about the incident is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In all calls please quote log reference B8/LSA of 02/02/2012.