Police have launched a manhunt after a 12-year-old girl was subjected to a 'blatant and repeated' sexual assault in a clothes store.
The girl had been in a Primark store in Bury town centre when a man walked behind her and groped her.
He is then said to have followed the girl around the store, and even at one point lifted her skirt.
Police have released a CCTV image of a man (pictured) they would like to speak to in relation to the incident on Tuesday, September 11 this year
Police have now released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident on Tuesday, September 11.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'At around 4.30pm while on the first floor of the shop looking at clothes, a man walked behind her and groped her.
'The man continued to follow the girl around the store and when she stopped for a second time, she felt her skirt being lifted.
'Upon turning around, she noticed what is believed to be a mobile phone in the man's hand.'
The young girl had been with a family member at the time of the incident, and soon after she noticed what the man had been doing she ran to them.
The police spokesman said: 'While the family member and the victim were still inside the store, the offender reappeared and – not realising the girl's family member was close by – attempted to approach the girl again.
'The family member challenged the man, who became very agitated and quickly made off through the main entrance.'
Police are now asking the public to help share a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
PC Stephen Raine of GMP's Bury Division said: 'This was a blatant and repeated sexual assault of a young girl when she was simply out shopping with family.
'We are determined to find who has committed this offence.
'We would ask anyone who recognises the man in this picture, or has any information, to get in touch immediately.'
Anyone with information is asked to call the local police force using the number 0161 856 8181.
Alternatively they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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