An urgent hunt has been launched after a man approached a young girl and tried to sexually assault her. The reported incident took place in a UK seaside town, and local police are now appealing to the public for information.
Cleveland Police said the girl, 12, was approached by the man on Warren Road in Hartlepool. According to the force, the suspect made suggestive comments to the victim before trying to touch her arm and chest at around 5pm on Monday, October 13. He then fled the scene on foot towards Winterbottom Avenue.
The man is described as a white male, 30-40 years old, with buzz-cut blonde hair and clean-shaven. He was wearing a camouflage-style coat.
Investigating officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area and are asking the public for further help to identify the suspect. Police said there were “a number of vehicles driving along the road around this time” and they are urging motorists to check their dash cam footage.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the force as soon as possible. Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or spotted a man matching their description in the area at the time.
Cleveland Police said in a public appeal: “Anyone who may have information or footage can contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 196815.
“Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online here or by calling 0800 555 111. Footage can also be uploaded directly here.”
It comes after police in Sheffield release a picture of a man they would like to identify following an alleged sexual assault in a shopping centre. Officers said a 16-year-old was reportedly attacked while queuing inside a store in Sheffield.
A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: “We have released a CCTV image of a man following a reported sexual offence in a shop in the Jordanthorpe area of Sheffield.
“It is reported that at 6.35pm on Wednesday 23 July, a 16-year-old girl was sexually assaulted while she stood in the queue for the till at a shop in the Jordanthorpe Centre.
“Following numerous enquiries, we are now releasing a CCTV image of a man we would like to speak to as we believe they may be able to help us with our investigation.
