A PERVERT who sexually assaulted a woman while she was shopping in a Dorchester store is being hunted by police after being caught on camera.

It is believed the man may have struck before and police are appealing for help in tracing him down.

The attack on the 30-year-old Dorchester woman happened at the Tesco store in Weymouth Avenue and police have now released a CCTV image of the suspect.

A man, described as white and aged between 50 and 55, is accused of inappropriately touching the woman as she shopped at the store.

The suspect is said to have acted in an introverted, nervous manner and ‘looked down’ the majority of the time.

A Dorchester Police spokesman said the victim was left very distressed and it is believed to have been a repeat attack.

The man responsible is thought to have sexually assaulted the same woman on a previous occasion in the same Tesco store, although it was not reported at the time.

Following investigations, police have released the CCTV image of the suspect and are appealing for the man, witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Jacqui Allen, of Dorchester police, said: “Following enquiries, I am now able to release a CCTV image that shows a man that I am eager to speak with.

“I would urge the man pictured. and anyone who recognises him, to contact me in confidence as soon as possible.

“It could be that this man will have information that will help me with this investigation.”

PC Allen added: “I understand that the man responsible may have inappropriately touched the same woman on a previous occasion at the same Tesco store.

“The victim did not report this at the time.

“This was clearly a very distressing incident for the victim.

“I would like to speak with anyone who witnessed this incident, and anyone who has any information about the man responsible, as soon as possible.”

A spokesman for Tesco said: “Because it is an ongoing police investigation, we’re not in a position to say anything.”

The incident took place at around 10.30am on Sunday, July 4.

Police have just revealed the details of the attack and the CCTV image.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222222.