West Midlands Police have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to following a sexual assault on Broad Street in Birmingham city centre. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 24 May, and has been under investigation since that date.
The force made the image public on Sunday, 2 August, as part of an appeal for information. No arrests have been made so far, and the investigation remains active. Police have stated that they are committed to finding the person responsible and supporting the victim.
What we know about the assault
The assault took place in the early hours of a Sunday morning, a time when Broad Street is typically busy with people enjoying the nightlife. The exact location on the street has not been revealed, and the victim has not been formally identified in official releases. Police have not confirmed whether the victim and the man in the CCTV image were known to each other.
Detectives have been carrying out a number of enquiries since the incident, including collecting CCTV footage, speaking to witnesses, and examining forensic evidence. The decision to release a still image of a man suggests that officers have been unable to identify him through other means.
The police appeal in full
In their appeal, West Midlands Police said: "Recognise this man? We'd like to speak to him after a woman was sexually assaulted on Broad Street. It happened in the early hours of Sunday 24 May. We've been carrying out a number of enquiries since then. If you recognise him or can help our investigation, call us on 101. Or speak to us via Live Chat on our website quoting crime reference 20/259976/26."
The force has asked anyone with information to come forward, no matter how insignificant it might seem.
Why the public's help is crucial
According to West Midlands Police, public assistance can be vital in cases like this. Members of the community may recognise the individual from his appearance, clothing, or behaviour. Sharing CCTV images is a well-established method used by police forces across the country to appeal for help.
Broad Street, a major entertainment district, draws large crowds, especially on weekends. The area is covered by an extensive network of CCTV cameras, which means there is often a record of movements. However, identifying someone from a single still image can be challenging, which is why the police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the man.
Timeline of the case
The incident is reported to have happened on Sunday, 24 May, 2026. The appeal with the CCTV image was issued more than two months later, on Sunday, 2 August, 2026. This indicates that police have been conducting extensive work behind the scenes during that period.
No arrests have been made, and police have not indicated whether they have identified a suspect. It is not yet known whether the man is being treated as a suspect or as someone who may have witnessed the incident. The investigation continues, and further updates may be provided as information comes to light.
How to contact the police
Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image, or who has any other information that could assist the investigation, should contact West Midlands Police. Information can be provided by calling 101 or by using the Live Chat function on the force's website. The police have asked that callers quote the crime reference number 20/259976/26 when making contact.
West Midlands Police have reassured the public that all information will be treated with discretion. They also encourage anyone who may have relevant details, even if they are not sure they are important, to get in touch.
The force's appeal remains active as officers continue to work on the case. They are hopeful that the release of the CCTV image will jog someone's memory and lead to a breakthrough.
Support for victims
Sexual assault is a traumatic experience, and police forces across the UK have specialist officers trained to support victims. West Midlands Police work with local support services to offer advice and assistance. While details about the victim in this case have not been released, it is standard practice for officers to ensure that anyone affected by such crimes receives appropriate support.
Members of the public who have been affected by similar incidents are encouraged to report to the police. There are also independent charities and confidential helplines available to provide support and guidance.
This remains a developing story, and the police have not yet announced any further updates. The investigation is ongoing, and the appeal for information remains in place.
