Police are searching for a man after a 12-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in a shopping centre. 

The young girl was approached in a Sutton shopping centre by an unknown man who then touched her inappropriately several times. 

The incident took place at around 4.15pm on Saturday February 25. 

The suspect is described as being in his late 20s to early 30s, of average build and appeared to have a brown beard and moustache. 

On the day of the incident he was wearing a flat cap, black coat and grey tracksuit bottoms. 

Your Local Guardian: Police would like to speak with this manPolice would like to speak with this man (Image: Met Police)

Police have released an image of a CCTV image of a man they are trying to trace. 

Anyone who recognises the man should call 101 or tweet the Metropolitan Police @MetCC quoting reference CAD 1707/27Feb. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.