DETECTIVES have released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace in connection with a sexual assault on a bus.

A 32-year-old woman was travelling on a number 19 bus along Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park, when a man got on and sat next to her.

While she was using her phone to send an email, the man started touching her on her thigh underneath her bag.

After a while, the woman felt something and lifted up her bag to see his hand on her.

She immediately jumped up to call for help and rushed past him to get to the bus driver.

She asked the driver to call the police, but the man had managed to get off the bus at Islington Green and escape towards Angel tube.

The incident happened at around 4pm on September 27 but so far no-one has been arrested, but police are hoping that someone will recognise the man in the picture.

Detective Constable Liz Dobson, from Islington CID, said: “We are hoping that by releasing this CCTV, someone may recognise the man and help us identify him. This incident has been extremely upsetting for the victim, and we are keen to find the suspect to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

- Anyone with information should contact Islington CID on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.