A PERVERT who posed as a shopper then sexually assaulted a young sales assistant is being hunted by police.

The man struck at the Market Place in Bolton after making inquiries about an item of clothing.

He put his hand up the woman’s skirt then fled.

The incident happened at around 4.35pm on May 7. Police are now appealing for the public’s help after failing to catch the man.

PC Carol Winrow, of the Public Service Team at Bolton, said: “The woman is clearly very upset she has been put through such an ordeal, and the best peace of mind we can give her is to find this man and take him off the streets.

“She has been extremely brave in giving a detailed description of her attacker, and I would urge people to read it carefully and cast their minds back to that day.

“This man could have been hanging around the shopping area before his attack, so if you were out shopping and think you recognise this man, please come forward as your information could be important.”

The man is Asian, in his early 40s and about 5ft 10in tall. He was muscular and had dark brown hair, slightly longer on the top and combed forward.

He was wearing strong aftershave and appeared to change his accent from Asian to English several times.

He was wearing a three quarter- length black jacket, dark blue jeans and black shoes with a silver buckle.

On his middle finger he wore a gold and silver ring with inset diamonds of an animal shape in the middle.

Anyone with information should call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 5660 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency