A woman was sexually assaulted by a drunk man on board a train while she was with a group of friends. 

It is believed that the perpetrator may have joined the service at Inverkeithing station. 

British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone who might know the man following the incident that took place on October 27. 

Detectives say the victim was travelling on the 3.40pm service from Inverness to Edinburgh Waverley with a group of friends.

A man joined the service at Inverkeithing or Kirkcaldy and appeared to be drunk.

He tried to speak to the group of young people and then sexually assaulted the victim around 6pm. 

It is understood that one of the male members of the group challenged the offender and he became aggressive. 

Police say the group left the service at Haymarket. 

The offender is described as a white man, of medium build, bald, and was wearing a grey tartan scarf, dark coat and dark trousers.

Now officers would like to speak to anyone with information, as well as the victim and her friends who have yet to come forward. 

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for information after a woman was sexually assaulted on board a train from Inverness to Edinburgh Waverley.

"The incident happened at around 6pm on Friday 27 October.

"The victim was travelling on the 3.40pm service with a group of friends.

"At Kirkcaldy or Inverkeithing, a man joined the service and he appeared to be drunk.

"He tried to speak to the group of young people and then sexually assaulted the victim.

"One of the male members of the victim’s group of friends challenged the offender and he became aggressive.

"They all left the service at Haymarket.

"The offender is a white man, of medium build, bald, and was wearing a grey tartan scarf, dark coat and dark trousers.

"Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident who has not yet spoken to police, or anyone who recognises the description of the offender.

"Officers would also like to speak to the victim and her friends as they have not yet contacted police.

"If you have any information, please call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference number 555 of 27 October 2017."