A 20-year-old woman was sexually assaulted while traveling alone on a Trenord train, sparking an intense manhunt by Italian authorities. The attack occurred a few days ago on a train traveling from Trecate to Novara.
According to investigators from the Novara Railway Police (Polfer), the young woman, a resident of Trecate and an employee at a shop in Novara’s historic center, was on her usual commute to work when the incident happened. While in a nearly empty carriage, a young man—believed to be of North African origin, between 20 and 25 years old—approached her after confirming that no other passengers were around.
Without warning, he assaulted her, taking advantage of the isolation. The woman was unable to defend herself or call for help, as no one was nearby to hear her screams. After the assault, the man fled the train upon arrival at Novara station, leaving the victim in shock.
Deeply shaken, the woman reported the assault immediately. Authorities say that no surveillance footage captured the attacker boarding or leaving the train, making identification difficult. Investigators are now reviewing photographic archives and working to trace the suspect’s identity.
The investigation remains ongoing.
