Bar-goer ‘sexually assaulted’ in busy city centre venue as cops release CCTV in hunt for man

A BAR-GOER was sexually assaulted in a busy city centre, prompting cops to release CCTV footage in their race to find the suspect.

The horrifying incident took place on the evening of June 13, between 10.15pm and 11.15pm.

Police have launched a search for a man following a sexual assault in YorkAlamy

Anyone who recognises the man has been urged to contact the policeNorth Yorkshire Police

North Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the attack took place in the Slug and Lettuce pub on Low Ouse Gate, in York.

The force released a photograph of the unnamed man in a bid to help their investigation.

Now, cops are urging anyone who recognises the man to contact them.

A spokesperson for the force said: “If you recognise the man please email ‘[email protected]’.

“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Lily Clennett, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”

Anyone with information has been told to quote reference 12250107324 when passing on information.

The news comes after statistics revealed that the number of sexual assaults reported on public transport rocketed last year.

Figures from the British Transport Police showed that recorded sexual assaults on public transport increased from 1,676 cases in 2023/24 to 1,799 cases in 2024/25.

Ciara Bergman, CEO of Rape Crisis England & Wales, told The Sun: ”Every day, millions of people use UK railways to get to work, take their children to school, and go about their daily lives.

“It should go without saying that anyone doing so should not experience or witness sexual assault or harassment, or be in fear of this.

“And yet what these statistics illustrate, is just how prevalent sexual violence, abuse and harassment are on public transport, and that women and girls are particularly at risk.”

Just under 700 recorded assaults took place on the London Underground, accounting for 40 per cent of all incidents reported in 2024/25.

However, a staggering 148 assaults were reported on National Rail during the same period.

After the shocking statistics were revealed, a spokesperson from the Survivors Trust said that more needs to be done to keep women safe.

The spokesperson said: “There is no surprise to hear of the increase in the number of sexual assaults on the public transport system given the level of violence against women and girls has reached epidemic levels in England and Wales.

“The British Transport Police have introduced some positive measures to combat crime, such as the successful ‘See it. Say it. Sorted’ campaign.

“However, police resources to tackle these crimes are stretched which only serves to benefit the perpetrators of these offences.”