A NINE-year-old girl has been sexually assaulted as she travelled on a bus in Suffolk.

The youngster was attacked between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth on July 4, police said.

They have now issued a CCTV image of a suspect they would like to speak to in connection with the assault.

The victim was with her father and brother at the bus station in Gordon Road, Lowestoft, at about 12.45pm and spoke to the man before boarding the X1 bus heading towards Great Yarmouth.

The family went upstairs on the bus and the girl sat at the back while her father and brother sat at the front.

The alleged attacker also sat at the back and as the bus travelled along Yarmouth Road he moved to sit next to the nine-year-old, hugged her, kissed her and put his hand on her leg.

The girl was too scared to say anything and it wasn’t until after she got off the bus that she told her dad and police were informed.

Officers want to trace a man caught on CCTV footage.

He is described as a light skinned black male, in his twenties, around 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build, with short hair, who was wearing a red top with England written on it, and black faded jeans.

Police are appealing for the man, or anyone who knows he is to come forward. Anyone with information should call DC Barnes at Lowestoft CID on 01986 835300.