Police hunting a man after an assault on a female bus driver hope CCTV pictures will aid them.

The victim was left so shaken by her ordeal she is still too traumatised to return to work, six weeks after the attack.

Her attacker is still at large, prompting police to issue the image today in a bid for help. It can be viewed at thisisbrightonandhove.co.uk/images/cctv7.jpg Officers want the man in the picture to come forward, or anyone who knows him to identify him.

They warned that security cameras on buses have helped catch almost everyone responsible for attacking members of staff.

In the minutes leading up to the attack the suspect became aggressive and abusive towards the driver, who is in her early 30s.

He got on the number 5 bus at Hove Town Hall in Church Road, Hove, as the driver made her last run of the night to Hangleton on November 24.

The man, also believed to be in his early 30s, spoke to her for several minutes as the bus continued on its route stopping to let other passengers on and off.

He became aggressive and assaulted the driver when the bus reached its final destination at Hardwick Road, Hangleton, just after 11.30pm.

The suspect is alleged to have run his hand down the victim's arm and across her chest.

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, said: "The driver brought the bus back to the main depot at Conway Street, Hove, where she told colleagues what had happened.

"She was very distressed and they looked after her and informed the police who asked us to download the images of the man allegedly involved from the security cameras on the bus.

"The effect of the assault has meant that the driver has not felt able to return to work."

Mr French said all Brighton and Hove buses are provided with security cameras to help prevent assaults on staff and other passengers.

He added: "They have proved to be very successful in cutting down the number of assaults, which average out at about one a month.

"In almost all cases the police have been able to catch and prosecute people whose images have been recorded in connection with offences against staff."

Inspector Mark Powles, of Brighton and Hove police, said: "We would like this man to tell us who he is before somebody else does."

Anyone with information about the assault should call PC Victoria Voice at Hove police station on 0845 6070999.