A GIRL was subjected to a sickening sexual assault while travelling on a bus.

The 12-year-old got on board the 524 bus at Bolton Bus Station at about 4pm on Tuesday, November 7.

She sat on the rear seat before a man then boarded the bus and sat directly in front of her.

During the journey the offender repeatedly touched the girl inappropriately.

The girl moved seats before getting off the bus, while the attacker later got off the bus at Water Street in Radcliffe.

A spokesperson for First Manchester said: “We were deeply shocked to hear of this incident and over the last month we have been working with the Police to review the on-board CCTV footage to help identify the individual involved.

“We would like to reassure customers that we believe this to be an isolated incident and that we have CCTV on-board all of our vehicles for the safety and protection of our customers. In the event that a customer feels unsafe, then they should alert the driver immediately.”

Police have released a picture of a man they are keen to speak to in connection with the assault.

Police Constable Julie Dix, from GMP’s Bolton borough, said: “This was a disturbing assault on a young girl who was just trying to get home.

“She has understandably been left extremely scared and upset by this and we have had specially trained officers supporting her.

“We understand that an assault like this will concern people and I want to assure you we have launched a full investigation and are working hard to find the man responsible for this disturbing attack.

“We are treating this as an isolated incident and no other reports of this nature, in the area, have been made to us so far."

She continued: “We are particularly keen to speak to the man pictured as part of our enquiries and are urging anyone who recognises him to please contact police.

“I would also appeal to the man pictured directly, if this is you, please come forward and speak to us.”

A spokesman for First Manchester said: “We were deeply shocked to hear of this incident and over the last month we have been working with the Police to review the on-board CCTV footage to help identify the individual involved.

“We would like to reassure customers that we believe this to be an isolated incident and that we have CCTV on-board all of our vehicles for the safety and protection of our customers. In the event that a customer feels unsafe, then they should alert the driver immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 1473 of November 7, 2017 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.