POLICE have released CCTV images of a suspected sex pest after a teenager was assaulted in Halesowen.

The 18-year-old was in a public toilet in the Cornbow shopping centre on Friday, November 21, when a man in his late 40s approached him and touched him inappropriately.

He challenged the offender who calmly walked out of the toilets and was last seen heading towards the bus station.

For the last two months officers have been trawling CCTV and liaising with shopping centre staff in a bid to identify the man and are now in a position to release CCTV images of a suspect.

PC Madeleine Farmer, from the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: "The teenager did the right thing and reported the incident straight away to security staff at the centre.

"Officers have circulated the image of the suspect to all staff at the centre and if he tries to visit the centre again staff will alert us.

She added: "After trawling CCTV we are now in a position to release an image of a suspect and I am appealing to anyone who recognises this man to call me or one of the team with any information.

"I would like to reassure the public that no further incidents of this nature have been reported to us.

She added: "I would also appeal to the man in the image to contact us at his earliest opportunity. This is his chance to give his side of the story."

Anyone with any information that could help the investigation is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101.

Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.