A woman was allegedly sexually assaulted after a group of men "formed a circle around her" as she left a popular city centre restaurant.

A 25-year-old woman was leaving Bazaar in Captain Cook Square in Middlesbrough when approximately five to seven men made comments to her, between 7.30pm and 8pm on Saturday, December 13

The men – believed to be Asian, aged between 17 and 23 and wearing dark clothing – then formed a circle around her and she was sexually assaulted by one of them, Cleveland Police said. All the men then left the area in an unknown direction while the woman went back inside the premises, police also said.

An investigation began in a bid to identify the men and officers are appealing for information from members of the public. Officers have released a CCTV image of a male they would like to speak to who could have information to assist the investigation.

PC Burnhope, from Middlesbrough’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “I understand this will be concerning to the local community and we are doing all we can to identify the person responsible.

"As part of our enquiries, I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, may have information that could help the investigation or know the men involved to please get in touch. I would also appeal to the person in this photo, and anyone who may know him, to contact us.

“You can report information by calling 101 or visiting our website quoting reference number 238172.”

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.