POLICE have opened an investigation after a young woman reported she was sexually assaulted on a bus from Liverpool City Centre to St Helens.

Detectives have issued an image of a man who they would like to speak to in relation to the incident, which happened on the 10A Arriva bus from Liverpool city centre on Saturday, October 1.

The incident happened at around 7am and is said to have left the victim feeling "shocked and upset".

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CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing to identify the man responsible, and the image is hoped to assist officers with their investigation.

Detective Inspector Chris Saidi said: “Everyone should be able to use public transport without the fear of being subjected to an incident like this.

“This young woman was left shocked and upset by this incident, and we are determined to bring the man responsible to justice.

“We think the man pictured may have vital information that could help our enquiries so if you know him, please come forward as soon as possible."

You can pass on any information via DM @MerPolCC, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 22000726017.

Anyone who wants to report a sexual offence allegation is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers, or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, who are available on 0151 558 1801 in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside, who cover St Helens and Knowsley and can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.

For women who have felt or feel unsafe in public spaces the Home Office has set up a pilot service StreetSafe for anyone to anonymously report public places where they have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, e.g. street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, e.g. being followed or verbally abused. Please note: 'StreetSafe' is not for reporting crime or incidents.