Appeal for info after teen is assaulted

BRITISH Transport Police is taking the unusual move in issuing a CCTV image of a woman, who may have information following an incident, during which a 14 year old girl was assaulted on board a train travelling between Dumbarton Central and Craigendoran stations on Saturday 8 August 2009.

Around 22.45 hours the 14-year old girl boarded the Helensburgh-bound service at Dumbarton Central in the company of another girl.

During the journey the girl was approached by a woman who shouted at her before grabbing her by the hair and head butting her - causing her nose to bleed. The woman then punched and kicked the girl before alighting from the train at Craigendoran station with a man of similar age.

The 14-year old girl remained on the train until Helensburgh, where she was taken to the Vale of Leven Hospital and released after treatment for her facial injuries.

The woman in the photograph is described as being:

Between 20 and 30 years of age, around 5'6" in height, shoulder length hair in a ponytail and wearing glasses. She may also have a tattoo on her right upper arm.

Detective Constable David Merchant of British Transport Police, the officer in charge of the enquiry, said:

"This appears to be a totally unprovoked attack which left the young girl injured and badly shaken. I am appealing for anyone who was on the train at the time or at any of the stations and who may have information regarding the identity of those involved to contact me as a matter of urgency as the woman may have vital information regarding the incident."

Anyone with information which could identify this woman should contact British Police Transport Police on 0800 405040 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.