POLICE in Darlington are appealing for witnesses after a girl was sexually assaulted on a bus.

The incident is said to have happened on May 24 on an Arriva double-deck vehicle, service number 1B travelling from Woodlands Road in Darlington, to Bishop Auckland.

The victim, in her mid-teens, got on the bus in Woodlands road at about 3.20pm along with other people.

She sat on the upper deck and a man 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 a white, about 30 years of age, of plump build, and 5ft 5ins 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.