AN APPEAL has been launched after a burglary and sexual assault took place.

Officers believe the person responsible for the attack, which took place in the St George’s Quay area of Lancaster at around 3.10am on Thursday (October 21), had been in the area for around 40 minutes before the offence looking through windows.

They now wish to speak to the man pictured, who they believe may be able to help them with their enquiries.

After being disturbed the suspect ran towards the flood defences onto the Quay Side and then onto Carlisle Bridge. He is described as Asian, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 9ins, with short black hair.

He was wearing dark blue jeans a burgundy-coloured jacket/jumper and carrying a rucksack.

No arrest has been made at this stage but enquiries are ongoing.

DI Kirsty Wyatt, of Lancaster CID, said: “This is a sinister offence and we appreciate that the public will be concerned by it. I would like to reassure them that patrols have been increased in the area and we have got a dedicated team of officers assigned to this case.

“With that in mind, we need to speak to the man in the CCTV image who we believe can assist us with our enquiries.

“We appreciate the quality of image isn’t the greatest but we need the public’s help to find him as soon as possible.

“We believe the suspect was in the area at least 40 minutes before the offence was committed looking through windows. I would residents to check their CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to see if they have captured anything which would assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to email 3431@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 0157 of October 21, 2021. Alternatively call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.