A man police want to speak to in connection with the assault

A young woman has been sexually assaulted during a walk home from a night out.

Preston Police have released a CCTV appeal to trace a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

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The 22-year-old victim was heading along Adelphi Street in the direction of Plungington Road around 2.50am on Monday (26 September).

She was talking on her mobile phone when a man approached her from behind. He placed his arm around her waist and the victim shrugged him off and stopped to allow him to pass.

The woman continued but as she was passing the Wellfield pub the same man returned and sexually assaulted her.

A passing taxi driver disturbed the man who made off from the area.

The woman returned home before reporting the offence to the police.

The suspect is described as Asian, in his mid-30s, of chubby build wearing a black top and trousers.

Detective Constable Richard Clancy of Preston CID said: “This was a particularly shocking assault which left the victim very shaken and upset.

“The male involved is believed to have followed the woman from the city centre as she returned home following a night out. Despite several clear attempts to stop the man, he has assaulted her.

“We are particularly keen to trace the male pictured and are asking anyone who recognises him to contact police.

“Furthermore, we would like to speak to a taxi driver, parked nearby, who we believe witnessed the incident, as well as another male walking in the area at the time.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting crime reference SA1612845.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.