A WOMAN was sexually assaulted on a train near York, sparking a police appeal for witnesses.

The incident took place between 3.45pm and 5.30pm on July 2, between York and Derby.

Investigating officer, PC James Paget, said the 20-year-old victim was first approached by a man as she sat in coach D on board the 1.07pm Cross Country service from Edinburgh Waverly to Plymouth.

The victim, from Bath, was approached by a middle-aged man who sat beside her and touched her inappropriately.

PC Paget said: “As the train travelled between York and Derby, the man sat down next to the victim before touching her on the leg and kissing her cheek and face.

“The woman was unharmed during the incident, but she was obviously very distressed by what happened and reported the matter to the train manager.”

Officers met the train at Derby where a 48-year-old man from Edinburgh was arrested and was taken into custody.

He has since been bailed until August 6.

British Transport Police are appealing to any passengers who travelled on the train to come forward as they may be potential witnesses and have information which could assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 and quote incident number 594 of 02/07/2010.

Alternatively, information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.