A 13-year-old boy was sexually assaulted while waiting at a bus stop in Merseyside, prompting an urgent police manhunt for the suspect. The incident occurred on Friday, June 19, at approximately 7:50 a.m. at a bus stop on Utting Avenue in Norris Green.
Details of the Assault
According to Merseyside Police, the teenager was approached by a man who engaged him in conversation before touching him inappropriately. The boy, visibly shaken, left the bus stop and returned home. Officers quickly attended the scene and conducted a thorough search of the area, with extensive investigations ongoing.
Suspect Description
The suspect is described as a white man, aged around 65, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, with short grey hair and a southern accent. At the time of the assault, he was wearing black shorts and a grey T-shirt.
Police Appeal
Detective Inspector Joe Rea appealed for public assistance, stating: “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.”
He added: “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 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. and has information to please contact us.”
Detective Inspector Rea also encouraged motorists to check dashcam footage: “I am also appealing for motorists driving along the road to check your footage to see if it has captured a man matching the description.”
Support for Victims
Rea emphasized the importance of supporting victims of sexual assault: “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.”
A police spokesperson urged anyone with information to contact Merseyside Police via social media or by calling with reference number 26000487869.
