Officers release CCTV images after reported sexual assault in Ashington

Officers who are investigation a report of sexual assault in Northumberland have released of a man who they would like to identify.

An investigation was launched after police received a report that on Monday, January 2 around 1.30am, a 22-year-old female was approached by an unknown man on Station Road, Ashington.

It was reported that the man approached the woman and asked her for a cigarette. The woman stated that she did not have one, and walked away.

The offender then followed the female before running behind her and touching her bottom. The woman confronted the man before he made off on foot.

Police officers have carried out a number of enquiries, including a review of CCTV and speaking with witnesses.  They are now appealing to the public for help.

Officers have released images of a man they would like to trace. He was in the area at the time of the incident and could have valuable information that may assist the ongoing investigation.

The man, or anyone who recognises him, is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101 quoting crime number 000506P/23.