Gang of as much as seven ‘Asian males’ hunted by police after a lady was surrounded and sexually assaulted exterior a restaurant
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Police have launched a manhunt for seven men believed to be Asian after a woman was sexually assaulted outside a restaurant.
A 25-year-old woman was leaving Bazaar Restaurant in Captain Cook Square, Middlesbrough, when five to seven men made comments to her.
The group of men then surrounded her before she was sexually assaulted by one of them on December 13, 2025.
All of them, aged between 17 and 23 and wearing dark clothing, then left heading in an unknown direction while the woman went back inside the restaurant.
Police have since launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred between 7.30pm and 8.00pm that evening.
Cleveland Police has shared a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak with, who may have information that would help with their probe.
PC Burnhope, from Middlesbrough’s neighbourhood policing team, said: ‘I understand this will be concerning to the local community and we are doing all we can to identify the person responsible.
‘As part of our enquiries, I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, may have information that could help the investigation or know the men involved to please get in touch.
A woman, 25, was leaving Bazaar Restaurant (pictured) in Middlesbrough, when she was surrounded by a group of men and then sexually assaulted by one of them on December 13
Cleveland Police has shared a CCTV Image of a man they wish to speak with, who may have information that would help with their investigation
‘I would also appeal to the person in this photo, and anyone who may know him, to contact us.’
A force spokesperson: ‘Between 7.30pm and 8pm on Saturday 13 December a 25-year-old woman was leaving Bazaar in Captain Cook square when approximately five to seven men made comments to her.
‘The men – believed to be Asian, aged between 17 and 23 and wearing dark clothing – then formed a circle around her and she was sexually assaulted by one of them.
‘All the men then left the area in an unknown direction while the woman went back inside the premises.
‘As soon as the sexual assault was reported to police, an investigation began in a bid to identify the men and officers are appealing for information from members of the public.’
The force has urged anyone with information to contact them by calling 101 or visiting their website quoting reference number 238172.
Alternatively, those who wish to stay anonymous can call Crimestoppers on 08000 555 111.
