Piccadilly Gardens Sexual Assault - Suspect Pic

DETECTIVES investigating a sexual assault outside a newsagent's in Manchester city centre have released a CCTV image of the suspected offender.

"This image is of good enough quality for anyone who knows this offender to recognise him."

The 16-year-old girl was walking from Piccadilly train station when she saw a man lurking outside the shop on London Road, overlooking Piccadilly Gardens at about 4.45pm on Tuesday 8 November 2011.

The offender made eye contact with the victim before he grabbed her leg and let go. The girl asked the man what he was doing and he smirked and walked away.

The man is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, about 5ft 8in tall, of large build and with a bald head. He was wearing a jacket and jeans.

With the help of the victim officers have now identified a suspect on an image taken from the CCTV system inside the newsagents.

Detective Constable Tony Quince said: "This image is of good enough quality for anyone who knows this offender to recognise him.

"We would urge anyone who can help us make contact as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3914 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.