A 13-year-old boy was sexually assaulted at a bus stop in Norris Green, with police now searching for the man responsible. The incident occurred on Utting Avenue at approximately 7:50 AM on Friday, June 19.
According to Merseyside Police, the suspect approached the teenager and engaged him in conversation before touching him inappropriately. The boy, visibly shocked, left the bus stop and returned home. Officers attended the scene and conducted a search of the area, and extensive investigations are ongoing.
The suspect is described as a white man, around 65 years old, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, with short grey hair and a southern accent. He was wearing black shorts and a grey T-shirt at the time of the incident.
Police Appeal for Information
Detective Inspector Joe Rea said: "I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare, and we are taking this incident extremely seriously. The victim was very shocked and understandably very distressed by the incident.
"Extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted, and we are continuing with our enquiries to find the suspect. I would urge anyone who was in the area of Utting Avenue between 7:45 AM and 8:15 AM and has information which will help with our enquiries to please contact us.
"I am also appealing for motorists driving along the road to please check your footage to see if it has captured a man matching the description and let us know. We understand the concern that such incidents cause in our communities, so please come forward with any information and we will take action."
Support for Victims
Detective Inspector Rea added: "Providing support to victims of sexual assault has never been more important, and I would encourage anyone experiencing this to report it to us and we will support you every way we can. If anyone who has suffered a sexual offence and you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are thoroughly investigated."
A police spokesperson said: "Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC with reference 26000487869. You can also report information via our website or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.
"If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support: NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk. Childline – call 0800 1111.
"If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind, don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve. You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously via our website.
"There is a lot of support available from specialist officers within Merseyside Police and through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service delivered jointly by two registered charities. In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063."
