On January 8, 2026, Cleveland Police issued an urgent public appeal for information following a sexual assault at a retail store in Middlesbrough. The incident occurred shortly after 3:30 pm on Monday, December 8, 2025, inside the Toytown store within the Cleveland Centre on Grange Road.
The victim, a woman, was inside the store when two men began to exit. As they passed her, one of the men sexually assaulted her. Officers from Middlesbrough’s response team have been conducting extensive enquiries, including a meticulous review of CCTV footage from the shopping centre.
Cleveland Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak with, as they believe he may have information vital to the investigation. The individual is described as white, approximately 18 years old, roughly 5’8” or 5’9” tall, with a slim build and a pale complexion. He had black hair, spoke with an Eastern European accent, and was wearing a black jacket, dark-coloured jeans, and a white t-shirt at the time of the offence.
PC Carling, the lead officer on the case, urged the public to help identify the suspect. “I am asking members of the public to come forward if they know the identity of the man and for the man himself to get in touch with us,” she stated. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 235127. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
If identified and convicted, the perpetrator will face mandatory registration as a sex offender. In addition to potential imprisonment, the court may impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which could include legally enforceable bans on his entry into the Cleveland Centre or other retail outlets in the Middlesbrough area to ensure the safety of the public.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.