A WOMAN was sexually assaulted and had her phone stolen as she slept on a Central Line tube train.

The 23-year-old was travelling on the Central Line from Tottenham Court Road to Loughton when she fell asleep.

When she woke up at Leyton station she was being indecently touched by a man sitting next to her.

The terrified woman left the train, but the man followed her.

She got back on the train and asked other passengers for help, but the man left the train at Leytonstone. British Transport Police (BTP) cannot rule out the possibility he may have re-boarded a different carriage.

The woman got off the train at South Woodford station and asked tube staff for help, it was only then she realised her phone had been stolen.

Investigating officer BTP Det Sgt Maggie Storey said: “This incident was extremely distressing for the victim who was simply making her way home.

“We have reviewed CCTV and spoken to witnesses about the incident and to help us build the clearest possible picture of the offence we are calling for anyone else who may have seen the incident to come forward and provide a statement.

“Nobody should be subjected to this type of disgusting behaviour and we ask anyone who has information that could help our investigation to contact us."

Police are especially keen to speak to a man who helped the woman get off the train at Leytonstone and to a couple who left the train at Snaresbrook.

The assault and theft happened between 12.25am and 12.45am on March 24.

The assailant is described as white, between 5ft 8in and 5ft 10in tall, of medium build and in his mid-30s.

He had short brown hair and spoke with an eastern European accent.

Anyone who was on the eastbound train who may be able to help should call BTP free on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident 16 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.