A FAMILY ran off a train at Gravesend station after a man followed them round the carriages and repeatedly performed a sex act on himself while staring at a young child.

British Transport Police officers are now investigating two separate incidents on trains near Dartford and Gravesend where the man indecently exposed himself.

CCTV images have been released showing the man they wish to speak with in connection with both incidents, which happened on July 29.

The first incident happened between 7.30pm and 8.05pm after the man boarded the Charing Cross to Gillingham service at Dartford station.

After boarding the train, the man began exposing himself and touching himself whilst staring at a 26-year-old woman.

Later the same evening, the man boarded a train headed for London at Gillingham station where he sat near to a woman with two young children.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Andy Parkinson said: “He went on to expose himself and perform an indecent act whilst staring at one of the children.

“The group, who were understandably shaken up, moved many times but the man followed the family around the train until the woman and her children ran from the service at Gravesend station.”

Officers have already circulated the CCTV images to try and identify the man but have so far not had any success.

Det Cons Parkinson added: “As part of our investigation we’ve issued CCTV of a man we believe may have information about this incident and are asking for the public’s help to name him.

“It is vitally important we speak to the man pictured to find out what happened and I would urge him or anyone who recognises him to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting background reference B9/LSA of 20/08/2013.