POLICE are seeking to trace a woman who may have witnessed an assault on a Southern Vectis bus.

They have released an image of the woman, and have asked for her to get in touch.

Officers investigating an assault on a man on an Isle of Wight bus on October 7, last year, are keen to speak with her after she witnessed the incident.

She was not involved in the assault, but was part of a conversation that took place in the minutes prior to it.
 

She is described as being between 20 and 30-years-old, with blonde hair and a wearing a white top. She was carrying a number of shopping bags, including a blue Next bag.

A police spokesperson said: "Can you help us identify this woman who we believe witnessed an assault on a man on the Isle of Wight?

"The woman was on the Number 9 Southern Vectis bus travelling from Newport to Ryde on October 7, last year.

"A 51-year-old man who boarded the bus at Newport Bus Station at 6.10pm and was punched several times in the head by a slim man, believed to be between the ages of 20 and 30, who was also on the bus.

"This second man then left the bus around 6.20pm.

"You may remember we appealed for help identifying a man we wish to speak with in connection with the assault.

"Enquiries have been ongoing since this time and we are now hoping to speak to the woman in this picture, who was not involved in the assault but was a witness.

"She got off the bus at the same stop as the male we wish to speak with.

"The woman is described as being between 20 and 30-years-old and she was wearing a white top.

"Do you recognise this woman? Maybe it is you in the picture?"

Anyone with information can contact 101, quoting 44190358973. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.