Police launch CCTV appeal after teenage girl sexually assaulted in a shop

Following several enquiries, police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to.

The force said they "believe he may be able to help us with our investigation".

The man in the video has been described as Asian, around five-feet and five inches tall, with black hair and facial hair, and believed to be in his late 30s.

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.

"Do you recognise this man?"

The police requested passing on any information to the force online or by calling 101 if you can help.

People can quote investigation number 14/130637/25 when they get in touch.

Alternatively, individuals can also contact police online via their reporting portal.

If people prefer not sharing their personal details, you can remain anonymous and pass on what you know by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Either call their UK contact centre on 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form on their website.

In 2022, around 10,000 adults in Sheffield were sexually assaulted, which was recorded at the time as the most common crime in the city.

Commenting on the figures at the time, a Sheffield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre spokesman said: "It is likely these figures reflect a gradual increase in survivors' willingness to pursue criminal justice rather than an increase in the number of sexual offences being committed.

"The figures also reflect the growing number of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are now coming forward.

"We still need to see better responses in both criminal justice and natural justice for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

"That includes charge and conviction rates increasing so that women and girls are not going through the difficulty of reporting without a chance of justice.

"As well as better treatment for women and girls who do a report so that they feel informed and supported throughout the process. It also includes access to support for all survivors of sexual violence and abuse, regardless of whether or not they report."

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