AN appeal has been made after a woman reported being hugged and groped by a man after she stopped to give him directions.

The 23-year-old was walking in Newcastle city centre when the incident happened at about 6.55am on Sunday, June 20.

She was walking in the Bigg Market  at the time.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "The 23-year-old was walking through the city centre when she offered the man directions.

"He responded by hugging her and groping her buttocks."

The force has released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident. He was at the Bigg Market at the time and may have information.

The spokesperson added: "We want to be clear that this type of behaviour is unacceptable and will be treated as a criminal offence.

"If it happens to you then please call us. The victim in this particular incident was left very shaken by what happened and did the right thing by immediately getting in touch.

"The man in this image was in the Bigg Market at the time of the offence and so could have information that will assist our investigation."

Anyone who can help identify the man is asked to contact Northumbria Police through its website, or call 101, quoting crime reference 066873Q/21.

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