Police officers from the Safer Travel team have released CCTV of a man thought to have assaulted a young woman on a Birmingham bus.
The man sat next to the 24-year-old and touched her inappropriately as she travelled on the X51 service from the city centre. After being challenged the man fled from the bus in Perry Barr.
Investigating officer DS Emma Holder said: “This assault has traumatised the young woman who was just going about her journey. She had the courage to challenge the culprit who then made off, however it has left an emotional scar on her.
“Anyone who knows who he is should come forward so that we can fully investigate. If you are the person in the image, please make contact with me at the earliest opportunity.”
The man is described as a fairly dark skinned Asian man in his mid 40s, of average build and around 5 feet 5 inches tall with white facial stubble and a scruffy appearance. He was wearing a baseball cap and carrying a rucksack with a Union Jack on it and he spoke with poor English.
DS Holder heads up Safer Travel’s new sex offences team working with the Public Protection Unit, who fast-track enquires into complaints like sexual touching, lewd comments and indecent exposure. They have access to a network of CCTV cameras covering the bus and rail network to help them swiftly identify offenders.
The new project code named ‘Empower’ will also see public transport staff − including drivers and conductors − trained to spot the tactics used by sex offenders, support passengers who’ve been targeted and report suspicious behaviour.
Anyone who recognises the man should call DS Holder on 101 or alternatively information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
