Merseyside Police are appealing for help to identify a man who approached a woman in Litherland, kissed her without consent, and then followed her into a Subway restaurant.
The incident occurred around 7pm on Saturday, 23 May, on Bridge Street in Litherland. The victim was walking along the street when a man approached her and kissed her without her permission.
She then entered a nearby Subway and informed a staff member. The man followed her inside, but an employee told him to leave, allowing the victim to escape.
Police have launched an investigation and are conducting CCTV and witness enquiries. They have released images of a man who may assist with their inquiries.
Detective Inspector Edward Barr said: “This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable, and we take reports of sexual assault very seriously. We are very keen to speak with the person featured in the images to help with our enquiries.
“This was a traumatic experience for the victim, and we are working hard to ensure that the person responsible is identified.
“I am appealing to the man featured in these images, or anyone who recognises him to please contact us. We believe he could hold information that could be vital to our continuing enquiries.”
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police’s social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC with reference 26000410778. Information can also be reported via the police website or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.
Anyone wishing to report a sexual offence should call 101, where specially trained officers will assist. Support for victims is available through the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063, or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.
The Home Office has also set up a pilot service called StreetSafe for women who have felt unsafe in public spaces, allowing anonymous reports of environmental issues or behaviours. StreetSafe is not for reporting crime.
