Cleveland Police are investigating after a woman reported being sexually assaulted inside a B&M store in Hartlepool. The alleged incident occurred in broad daylight at the Middleton Grange Shopping Centre branch on Saturday, June 13.
Incident details and police appeal
Police received a report at 3:35pm on June 13 after a man allegedly approached a woman and touched her from behind inside the store. Officers have since reviewed CCTV footage and released an image of a man they believe may have information to assist the investigation.
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "At 3:35pm on Saturday 13 June a report was made to police of the sexual touching of a woman inside a store. It took place in B&M at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre. A man has approached the woman and touched her from behind. Enquiries have been ongoing since the report was made including reviewing and obtaining CCTV and to find out further information. Police believe the man in the photo could have information that could assist with those enquiries."
Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or visit Cleveland Police's website quoting reference number 114117.
Separate incident: boy injured in crocodile enclosure
In an unrelated incident, a three-year-old boy who was injured in a zoo's crocodile enclosure is facing further surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation. The incident occurred at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on June 18.
The boy's parents expressed gratitude to donors who raised £25,000 to support the family. They revealed they have been "living at the hospital" and their son has undergone five surgeries since the incident. A fundraising page established to aid the boy's recovery and provide financial stability has amassed more than £25,000.
An update from the parents shared on the fundraising page said: "We are extremely grateful for everyone's generosity. We could never thank you enough for the support you have given our family in this horrible time." They added: "We have been living at the hospital for two weeks now and our son has undergone five surgeries." The parents acknowledged that he will need at least two more surgeries and described the past two weeks as "a very uncertain and unsettling time."
