A SEX attacker who targeted a woman in a shop is being hunted by police.

Officers have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident, which happened in Wilkinson’s in Nelson.

At around 3:45pm the 23-year-old woman was shopping store within Pendle Rise shopping centre when she was approached by a man.

The man tapped the woman on the shoulder before making inappropriate comments to her and touching her shoulders before sexually assaulting her. He then walked away from her.

Officers are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward and contact them.

Detective Sergeant John Woods said; “This was a distressing experience for this young woman and we would urge anyone who has any information about what happened or who recognises the description of this man to come forward.”

Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident. The man in the photograph is described as Asian, around 20 and 25 years of age and of medium build. He is believed to be around five feet ten inches tall with dark, spiky hair and long sideburns. He was wearing a light coloured t-shirt, dark jeans and white trainers and was carrying a Home Bargains plastic carrier bag.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.