A TEENAGE girl was groped by an older man as she sat on the top deck of a double decker bus.

Police in Darlington are appealing for witnesses to the sexual assault which took place last Tuesday (May24).

The incident occurred on the Arriva 1B service between Woodlands Road in Darlington traveling to Bishop Auckland.

The girl, who is in her mid-teens, got on the bus along with other people at Woodlands Road at around 3.20pm and sat on the top deck of the bus.

The man, who was sitting behind her, reached over and touched her with his hands near to her breasts.

PC Annabelle George said it was believed the assault took place at some point on the route between West Auckland Road and West Park. She added: "The victim was aware of other people including two men she describes as 'large' sitting on the upper deck at the time.

"I would appeal to anyone who was travelling on the upper deck of the vehicle at the time and saw what happened to come forward and speak to police."

The suspect is described as white, about 30 years of age, of plump build, and 5ft 5in tall.

He was unshaven, with dark brown hair, short at the sides and long on top, and had a piercing in his left eyebrow. He was wearing a grey tracksuit top with a red top underneath, and is described as having a strong accent, possibly Irish.

PC George can be contacted at Darlington police office on 0345-6060-365 or the independent charity Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800-555-111.