AN APPEAL for witnesses has been launched after a man touched himself in front of a schoolgirl on a train from Basingstoke.

British Transport Police detectives want to hear from people who may have been on the train from Basingstoke to Reading on Friday, January 10.

A man sat opposite a schoolgirl on the train at around 7.50am, and began to touch himself.

It happened on the 7.40 service from Basingstoke to Reading.

The man is described as being white, aged 20 to 30 years old and wearing casual clothing.

A spokesperson for the British Transport Police said: "Officers believe there were many people in the carriage at the time who will have witnessed this incident, and are urging them to get in touch to assist their investigation.

"If you witnessed the incident, or have any information, please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2000003851.

"Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."