Police are releasing a CCTV still of a man who assaulted a boy on a bus in Portsmouth.
The 5-year-old boy and his mother got on the no.40 bus from Commercial Road at around 7.30pm, Saturday, October 1.
After the pair had sat down, a drunk man sat across the aisle from the boy lent across and pulled him off the seat.
The boy’s mum yelled at the man to get off him and pulled her son back onto the seat.
The man is described as:
- White
- About 5ft 7-8ins tall
- Late 40s
- Slim build
- Messy, long brown or black hair
- Wearing blue ¾ length shorts and brown jumper
PC Matt Bavin from Portsmouth’s Targeted Patrol team said: “The man lent across a second time and began pinching the boy. This time other passengers became involved resulting in the boy and his mum moving to the front of the bus to get away from him. The man eventually got off the bus on Kingston Road.
“While this may have been a practical joke taken too far, the man’s behaviour was still unacceptable. The boy was not seriously injured but both he and his mum have been left shaken up.
“I’d like to hear from anyone who was on the bus at the time, or anyone who recognises this man and knows who or where he is.”
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Bavin at Cosham police station on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 0845 045 45 45. To contact an officer please use our Contact an Officer Form
