A 68-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after an alleged sex assault on a teenage girl on a bus in East Lothian.

Police said the man was arrested and charged following a public appeal for information at the weekend.

The 17-year-old girl was travelling on the 107 bus from Haddington to Dunbar at about 6.30pm last Wednesday when she reported being assaulted by a male passenger.

She told police that the man later got off the bus in East Linton.

Chief Inspector Matt Paden, Area Commander for East Lothian, said:"I want to take this opportunity to thank the public and the bus company for their support and assistance as we carried out our enquiries.

"All reports of sexual offences are treated with the utmost seriousness and I want to assure everyone that we will use all resources at our disposal to investigate these."

East Coast Buses, which operates the 107, said that all its buses had cameras fitted and drivers were trained by police.

A spokesperson said: “East Coast Buses, as a responsible transport operator, puts the safety and security of its customers as a priority and we have a number of safeguards in place, including CCTV fitted to all our buses, as well as undertaking comprehensive training for our drivers from our dedicated police liaison officer.”

Police Scotland offers safety advice for people travelling on public transport.

They advise people using bus stops and train stations to stand in view of CCTV if it is available and be aware of who is around them.

On an empty bus sit near the driver and on a train, sit in a carriage where there are other people - ideally, one which will allow you to alight close to your station’s exit.

Check to see where the nearest emergency chain is located.

Police advise if feeling threatened at all people should move away and tell the driver, conductor or guard.