An off-duty police officer stepped in to help a young girl who was being flashed by a man on a train in south-east London.
The detective inspector was on a train coming into New Cross on the evening of Monday, November 29 when an upset teenage girl came up to tell him that a man had exposed himself and was performing a sexual act in front of her.
She asked the officer for help, not knowing that he was in the police.
The officer got the girl to point out the suspect and arrested him when he got off at New Cross. The suspect got violent with the officer and a member of station staff helped him keep the flasher under control.
Officers from British Transport Police were called and took the man into custody.
The officer spoke to the girl’s father on the phone and waited with her until he arrived. The man has since been convicted for the offence and the victim is being supported by professional .
Detective Chief Superintendent Marcus Barnett, who is in charge of policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, where the officer is based, said he was proud of his officer for “not thinking twice” before taking action.
He added: “I also applaud the actions of the member of the public and station staff who stepped in and supported the officer when he shouted for assistance. Due to the brave actions of everyone involved a dangerous individual was arrested.”