COPS have launched an urgent manhunt after a 13-year-old boy was allegedly sexually assaulted at a bus stop.

The alleged assault happened on Utting Avenue in Norris Green, Merseyside, just before 8am on Friday, cops said.

A man approached the teenager and began speaking to him before he “touched him inappropriately”, said the force.

The boy then returned home in shock, according to Merseyside .

The suspect is described as a white man aged about 65 with a southern accent.

The man is described as 5ft 5 inches tall with short grey and wearing black shorts and a grey t-shirt.

Officers attended and conducted a search of the area and inquiries are being carried out to find the man.

Detective Inspector Joe Rea urged any witnesses, or anyone with video footage, to contact police immediately.

He said: “I would like to reassure the public that incidents such as this are rare, and we are taking this incident extremely seriously.

“The victim was very shocked and understandably very distressed by the incident.

“Extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted, and we are continuing with our enquiries to find the suspect.

“I am also appealing for motorists driving along the road to please to check your footage to see if it has captured a man matching the description and let us know.”

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC with reference 26000487869.

Det Insp Rea added: “We understand the concern that such incidents cause in our communities, so please come forward with any information and we will take action.

“Providing support to victims of sexual assault has never been more important, and I would encourage anyone experiencing this to report it to us and we will support you every way we can.

“If anyone who has suffered a sexual offence and you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are thoroughly investigated.”