FRESH CCTV pictures have been released this week by police investigating a sexual assault on a 20-year-old woman in Taunton.

Police say the victim was followed by a man as she walked through the town centre at around 2.35am on Thursday, November 27.

When she reached Kilkenny House in Cheddon Road, the man grabbed and sexually assaulted her, say police.

Police say a man they would like to speak to was picked up by several CCTV cameras across the town.

He was seen first on a bicycle in The Parade at about 2.11am and then by the Pitcher and Piano pub off Corporation Street.

He is then shown with without his bike and with his hood up walking past the Money Shop in North Street and then the Crown and Sceptre pub in Station Road.

The man in the images is described as white, about 5ft 8ins, skinny, in his late thirties, with stubble.

He was wearing a green jacket with a hood over the top of a light coloured grey or white hooded top, and loose fitting cream or light coloured trousers. He was generally scruffy looking.

Investigating officer, Det Con Darren Bowden, said: “Following further investigative work we are now able to release this series of images which shows a man initially cycling past the victim (not pictured) and then later walking behind her through the town centre.

“It was a period of around 20 minutes from the first CCTV image to the time the victim was assaulted.

“I can confirm we are taking a close look into whether there is a link between this incident and any others in the area.

“Two men previously arrested in connection with this investigation have been released without charge and we are now focussing on identifying the man in these images and we are asking the public to help us with this.

“If you think you recognise him, please call in with a name or any information you have - it could prove to be crucial to our inquiry.”

Anybody with information should call Det Con Bowden via the 24-hour non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.