A TEENAGER was sexually assaulted after getting on to a bus at Bolton bus station.

The 15-year-old boy was followed by a man on to the number 22 bus, which goes from Bolton to Stockport via the Trafford Centre.

The assault sent the youngster into a state of shock that left him frozen to the spot and unable to fight off his attacker.

But he was able to get off the bus at Farnworth and report the incident to police. The attacker stayed on the bus.

Sgt Graham Clare said: “We have recovered CCTV from the bus station that appears to show someone following and deliberately targeting the victim.

“The boy was so frightened by what was happening to him, he was unable to move during the assault, which has left him very upset. I would appeal to anyone who may recognise the person in the footage to come forward.”

Police said the boy sat on the back row of the bus and was followed by the offender, who sat next to him and then sexually abused him as they travelled along Manchester Road.

The incident took place at about 3pm last Friday, but police only released details of the attack yesterday.

The man is described as white, between 40 and 50 years old, 5ft 8in tall, of stocky build with short light brown hair.

He was seen a few minutes later on a different 22 bus heading back towards Bolton.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5822, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.