POLICE have launched an urgent appeal after a young woman was followed by a stranger on a night out.
Cops have released an image of a man they want to question after the incident last month in Watford town centre.
The incident took place on November 19 between 6.30pm and 10.30pm.
Hertfordshire Police say the woman, who is in her 20s, was walking along when she noticed a man following her.
She then entered the Cassio Lounge restaurant and noticed that the individual had sat down on a table next to the group she was with.
The man then left after being asked to do so by staff.
But as she walked back to her car several hours later, the same man followed her again before heading in a different direction.
Sergeant Karl Diggins, who is investigating, said: “This was understandably a distressing experience for the woman involved, and we have provided her with safeguarding support.
“I want to reassure her and the public that we are taking this report extremely seriously.
“We have carried out a number of enquiries since the incident was first reported to us, and we are keen to identify the man pictured as we believe he will have information that could assist our investigation.
“If you recognise the person pictured, you witnessed any suspicious activity in the town centre at that time, or have any further information that could help, then please get in touch with us as soon as possible.”
It comes just days after a 12-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by a man in a “truly horrendous” attack before running for help, as cops released CCTV in their probe.
Cops said the girl was approached by a man in a park at 9.20pm on December 7.
He reportedly touched her waist and kissed her before she fled and told a group of women nearby what had happened.
The man is described as being in his early-20s, Black, tall, of slim build and had facial stubble.
He was said to be wearing black clothing at the time of the alleged assault in Byron Recreation Park, Weston-super-Mare.
Avon and Somerset Police released CCTV of a man they want to speak to in their investigation.
Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Andy Barry said: “The girl has shown enormous courage in the face of a truly horrendous sexual assault.
“She did absolutely the right thing in running, telling responsible adults about what happened and ensuring this was reported to police.
“We’re also grateful to those women who kept her safe in the immediate aftermath of this frightening experience.
“Two officers met with the girl and her family that same evening and took a detailed account from the girl about what happened.
“This case is being investigated by specialist detectives who will ensure her welfare is considered at all times and that suitable support is available to her.”
