Man 'masturbated in front of passengers' on London Tube train

'The behaviour continued for several minutes and only stopped when the man got off the train,' police said

The incident happened on the Northern line (Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Police appealed for help finding a man who masturbated in front of fellow passengers on a London Underground train.

Shocked onlookers were on a Northern Line train on the evening of 17 April when they noticed the man touching himself and later called police.

He only stopped to get off the train at Waterloo, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

Detective Constable Allan McTaggart said: “At about 8pm a passenger boarded the last carriage of the train at Embankment.

“After the train departed, they noticed a man sat close by had his hand down his trousers and appeared to be touching himself inappropriately.

“The behaviour continued for several minutes and only stopped when the man got off the train.”

After viewing CCTV footage, police issued a picture of a man they wanted to speak to, which they have since withdrawn.

DC McTaggart added: “People rightly expect to use public transport without being exposed to inappropriate sexual behaviour of any kind. We will always investigate all incidents reported to us.”

The force has recently launched a campaign to increase the reporting of sexual harassment on transport in London.

Update:

A man has contacted police and the appeal has been cancelled. He will be interviewed by detectives in due course.

Detective Constable David Peek thanked members of the public who provided information.