Police are hunting a man who sexually assaulted an 86-year-old woman on a train.

The suspect, pictured in CCTV releasd by British Transport Police, tried to kiss and stroke the shocked pensioner during an evening journey from Hastings to Brighton.

Investigators said the man also made crude remarks about sex before getting off the train at Bexhill.

Detective Constable Nigel Craig, of BTP, said the victim, who lives in Stone Cross, was left "disgusted".

He said: "This was a shocking and intimidating experience for the victim and I am urging anyone with information that could help our investigation to come forward.

"The man's advances left the victim disgusted and his actions were made all the worse by the fact of the victim's age.

"We have made local inquiries into this incident and are following a number of leads to try and trace the man responsible and urge anyone with any information, or who recognises the man in the CCTV image, to come forward."

Police released several CCTV images of the man as he left Bexhill railway station at about 7.30pm on April 27.

The white man, who is of average build and has short brown hair, was wearing blue jeans, white trainers and a dark hooded jacket over a black jumper.

DC Craig added: "The victim was making her way home after a day out in Hastings when a man boarded the train at St Leonards Warrior Square, around 7.30pm.

"He stood in the aisle and stared at her for a few minutes before choosing to sit next to her, despite there being an abundance of empty seats nearby.

"He then tried to engage her in conversation before making advances towards her, which she declined."

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.