A Tower Hamlets man has been jailed after he was caught sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl on the London Underground.

Abdulrizak Ali Hersi, 32, of Invicta Close, Limehouse, was caught by plain clothes British Transport Police (BTP) officers, the force said.

On October 11, 2022, shortly before 5pm, plain clothes officers were on patrol on the Piccadilly line.

READ MORE: Met Officer pretended to be on duty to get backstage at All Points East festival

They observed Hersi board a train at Green Park and stand near the doors.

At the next stop, a family got on the train and moments later, according to the BTP, Hersi sexually assaulted the 13-year-old girl.

Officers intervened and took Hersi off the train at Leicester Square and arrested him.

He was found guilty of sexual assault at Inner London Crown Court on May 5.

READ MORE: Met Police Officer could be banned from service amid failure to probe Wayne Couzens

The judge sentenced him to 18 months in prison and a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The latter prevents him from intentionally standing behind or next to any female he does not know in a public place.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187.

For the latest crime news in east London, join our East London Crime Watch group on Facebook.

Insp Sharon Turner said: "In this case, the victim and her family didn’t even realise what was happening until our officers quickly intervened.

"Passengers should feel reassured to know we have plain clothes patrols like this taking place across the Underground day and night to keep everyone safe.

"If you ever have any concerns while travelling please do text us on 61016."