Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with two sexual offences committed against young girls on buses.

A 13-year-old victim got onto the 232 bus at the North Circular Road in Neasden just before 9am on May 5.

She sat down in front of a man and he sexually touched her. Scotland Yard said.

The victim then moved to a different part of the bus and man got off the bus in Coles Green Road.

Just over two weeks later on May 22 at 4.05pm, a 12-year-old girl got onto a 462 bus on Elmbridge Road, Ilford, heading towards Hainault Street.

As she stood on the crowded bus she was sexually assaulted.

The man in each report fits the same description, and investigating officers are treating the two incidents as linked.

The man they wish to speak to is described as being of Asian appearance, in his mid 20s and around 6ft tall with black hair in a bowl style with a thick fringe, and a short beard.

He was seen wearing a blue jumper, a black gilet padded jacket and blue jeans.

PC Sarah Bunting from the roads and traffic policing command, said: “These were frightening experiences for both victims, and we believe that the same person committed these offences.

“We are appealing for anyone who recognises this man to come forward. It is possible that there are other victims who have yet to come forward, and we would urge those people to report these crimes. You will be given the appropriate support, and the allegation will be investigated.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call the roads traffic and policing command on 101 or tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.