REDDITCH Police are appealing for witnesses to a sexual assault on a 16-year-old boy on a town bus last Tuesday.

The boy got on the number 57 bus at Studley Road, near the Mayfly pub, at about 10.50pm and noticed a man who kept looking at him and smiling.

After a while, the man sat next to the boy and tried to engage in conversation.

But suddenly and without warning, the man carried out a sexual assault on the boy and then threatened and continued to harass him until the bus arrived at Matchborough Centre.

The man got off the bus and walked towards the Langley Close area.

Although there were a few people on the bus, they got off as it travelled along its route.

The boy was not physically hurt but was left very shaken by the experience.

The man is described as white, in his early to mid 30s with a sun-tanned complexion.

He is about 6ft 1ins tall, broad with a stocky build and medium length dark hair brushed forward and to the left side.

He is clean shaven and has a gold sleeper earring in his left ear, brown eyes and a local accent.

He was wearing a black leather waist-length jacket, stone grey jeans and black shoes.

Pc Catherine Mitchell, of Redditch police, said: "We are very concerned about this incident and are keen to trace and identify this man.

"We have reason to believe he may have been under the influence of drink or drugs.

"We would appeal to anyone who was on the bus or has any information that would assist us to call Redditch police on 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."