AS PART of an operation targetting unwanted sexual behaviour on the railway network, British Transport Police have issued an image of a man they would like to talk to in connection with an incident in Newport.

The week-long project, known as Operation Centurion, runs until Friday and is in support of an Association of Chief Police Officer's nationally co-ordinated initiative.

As part of the operation, officers are revisiting cases and are appealing for the public’s help after a man performed an indecent act in front of a female passenger on a train at Newport.

Investigating officer police constable Debi Rouse said: “A man boarded a train at Newport rail station and sat across the aisle from the victim, a 21-year-old woman. They chatted briefly before the victim started using her mobile phone.

“When she looked over at the man a few moments later, he was performing an indecent act on himself. This continued for some time until the man alighted the train at the next station.”

The incident took place at around 3.30pm on August 25.

A man officers would like to speak to in relation to the investigation is described as Asian, aged approximately in his early to mid 30s, of large build and was wearing a light blue polo shirt and black jeans.

PC Rouse said: “Fortunately this type of incident is rare on the rail network, but understandably the victim was left extremely shaken and upset by what she had been forced to witness.

Operation Centurion will also see officers conducting plain clothes and high-visibility patrols across the rail network in Wales in a bid to tackle inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Superintendent Nicki Watson, who is co-ordinating the activity said: "We want victims to have the confidence to report these types of incidents to us and know that they will be taken seriously.

Anyone with information about the Newport incident is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference WHA/B6 of 03/12/2013. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

To report an incident of a sexual nature to British Transport Police call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 with details of what happened.