A victim was sexually assaulted in York city centre last night, sparking a major police investigation.
Officers were called at 9.15pm last night (Wednesday) after the assault took place at 7pm.
A cordon was put in place outside the Fenwick store in the Coppergate Centre.
Police say that they have since established that the victim can’t recall the exact location of the assault.
The victim is being supported by specially trained officers while detectives carry out urgent enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened.
They want to identify a white man who was seen in the city centre around the time of the incident.
He was wearing a pink T-shirt with a black circular logo on the front.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We believe this man may have important information which could assist our investigation and are urging him to come forward and speak to us.”
Senior Investigating Officer Matt Wilkinson said: “We understand that an incident of this nature will understandably cause concern within the local community.
“I want to reassure people that we are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened.
“As part of those enquiries, we are particularly keen to identify the man described above who was in the area around the time of the incident.
“We believe he may have important information which could assist our investigation, and I would urge him to come forward and speak to us.
“I would also urge anyone who was in York city centre at around 7pm yesterday evening and saw or heard anything that could assist our investigation to contact us.
“Even if you think the information you have is insignificant, please get in touch. It could prove important to our enquiries.”
If you can help call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference number 12260192537.