An appeal has been launched after two women were sexually assaulted as they slept on a Northern line train.

Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to, and are appealing for help in identifying him. They believe he may live or have connections in East Finchley.

The victims, both aged 24 and from Barnet and Braintree, Essex, boarded a northbound train from Camden Town at about 6.45am on Saturday, August 15.

They sat next to each other and fell asleep shortly after the train left.

Shortly afterwards, a man approached one of the women and sexually assaulted her as she slept, and only stopped when her friend woke up and intervened.

He then touched the second woman inappropriately, before getting off the train at Finchley Central.

The women immediately reported the incident to the police.

Detective Constable Andy Parkinson, of British Transport Police’s sexual offences unit, said: “We need to speak to the man pictured as a matter of urgency, as we believe he will be of great assistance to the investigation. He may live or have connections in East Finchley.

“If you recognise him, or have any further information, please get in touch with BTP or Crimestoppers.

“This was understandably an incredibly frightening experience for the two women and something nobody should have to experience. I would like to assure the public we are doing all we can to catch the person responsible and bring them to justice through the courts.”

Anyone with information is asked to call BTP on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference T/B3 of 02/09/15.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.