Detectives hunt bus sex attacker

Police have released CCTV images of a man they want to question

Detectives are hunting a man who sexually abused a 15-year-old boy on the back seat of a bus in Bolton.

Police said the teenager was frozen in shock by the attack, which happened on the number 22 bus as it travelled along Manchester Road on Friday afternoon.

The boy, who was followed by on to the bus by the man at Bolton bus station, got off at Farnworth and called police.

The attacker, who stayed on the bus, is described as white, aged between 40 and 50, 5ft 8ins tall and stocky.

Incidents 'rare'

He was seen a few minutes after the attack on a different number 22 bus heading back towards Bolton.

Sgt Graham Clare, based at Farnworth police station, said: "We have recovered CCTV from the bus station that appears to show someone following and deliberately targeting the victim.

"The boy was so frightened by what was happening to him, he was unable to move during the assault, which has left him understandably upset.

"While these types of incidents are extremely rare I would encourage people to remain vigilant and if anyone knows who is responsible please contact police."

Anyone who recognises the man is urged to contact police in Bolton.