AN IMAGE of a man who assaulted a teenage girl in Stretford has been released by police.

The 17-year-old girl was on the number 18 bus travelling from the Trafford Centre to Altrincham on Tuesday, November 24th, when a man tried to befriend her.

When the girl got off the bus on Chester Road in Stretford, she was followed by the man onto Edge Lane close to Stretford Metro Link station where she was sexually assaulted by the man.

Police said she was left uninjured but traumatised by the incident.

He is described as Asian, in his mid 20s, 5ft 7ins tall with short black hair, brown eyes, of medium build and was wearing a hooded top.

Detective Sergeant Alison Barber, of Trafford Public Protection Unit, said they were confident that someone would recognise the man from the picture.

She said the victim was deeply affected by what had happenned to her.

"We have reassured the victim that we will do everything in our power to catch this pervert and we are confident that someone will recognize his image," she said.

Anyone with any information should call Trafford police on 0161 8567573 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.