On Sunday, at the request of the Hal-Vilvoorde Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Federal Police launched an appeal for witnesses following a sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl on a train from Leuven to Brussels on Saturday 12 August 2023.
The attack occurred between 11:08 and 11:37. The teenager, who felt followed and uncomfortable, tried to hide in the train toilets when she was grabbed by the neck by a man. The man began kissing and touching her roughly.
The girl managed to free herself and got into another carriage. The man followed her and continued to harass her. The victim was finally able to pick up her mobile phone to call the police. The assailant got off at Brussels North station and hit the train window before leaving the scene.
Image of the suspect wanted by police
The suspect is aged between 25 and 30 and speaks French. Police describe him as having a normal build and is 1.85m tall. On the day of the incident, he had a black Mohican-style haircut with hair shaved on the sides. He had a deep voice and smelt of alcohol and marijuana. At the time of the incident, he was wearing blue denim trousers, a black jumper, a dark bodywarmer and black shoes.
After the incident, another passenger approached the victim and asked if she was all right. This man got off at Brussels-Central station. The police would like him to come forward to the authorities. The victim was wearing a blue jumper with white stripes.
Anyone who recognises the assailant or has any information about this incident is invited to contact investigators via avisderecherche@police.belgium.eu. Reports can also be made on the freephone number 0800/30.300.
