POLICE are searching for a man after reports that a teenage girl was sexually assaulted in Southbourne.

It was said that the girl was walking near the junction of Seafield Road and Tuckton Road at around 7.35am on September 17 when a man approached and touched her inappropriately.

Following enquiries by detectives from BCP CID, a local man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and released on police bail.

However, following further investigative work he has been released from bail without charge.

Police are now looking to identify another man.

(Image: Dorset Police)

Detective inspector Ross McNamee, of BCP CID, said: “We have been continuing to carry out detailed enquiries into this incident and we have now obtained images of a man we would like to identify as part of our investigation.

“I would urge anyone with information regarding this man’s identity to please contact us.

“We are continuing to support the victim and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been conducting increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240143160. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.