Detectives are appealing for help identifying a man captured on CCTV as part of an ongoing investigation into a reported sexual assault in Dartford.
The Appeal
Dartford sees thousands of people pass through every day. Right now, Kent Police are banking on that footfall — specifically, on someone out there recognising a face.
The force has released CCTV images of a man they want to identify in connection with a reported sexual assault in the town, and they’re asking anyone who knows him to come forward without delay.
The appeal, issued by Kent Police’s public communications team, confirms the investigation is active.
What Officers Are Asking
The man shown in the footage hasn’t been named, charged, or publicly identified. Officers want to speak with him — he may hold information that helps detectives piece together exactly what happened. At this stage, he carries the full presumption of innocence.
CCTV appeals aren’t a statement of guilt. They’re what happens when initial enquiries and a trawl of locally available footage haven’t yet put a name to a face — a targeted investigative step, nothing more.
Anyone who recognises him should contact Kent Police quoting the reference number given in the force’s appeal, or pass information anonymously through Crimestoppers. And the guidance is straightforward: don’t approach the man. Just tell the police what you know.
Support for Those Affected
Cases like this are handled by specialist officers with specific training in working alongside victims of sexual crime. Under UK law, the identity of anyone who reports a sexual offence is protected — Kent Police won’t name them, and neither will we.
But the process itself can be gruelling for survivors, particularly when details start circulating publicly. Specialist support is available across Kent, including NHS sexual assault referral pathways and voluntary-sector organisations. Anyone affected by sexual violence — whether connected to this incident or not — can get help through their GP, NHS 111, or local support services.
The Wider Picture
Sexual offences remain a priority for Kent Police as part of broader work on violence against women and girls. Criminal justice agencies have long acknowledged that a substantial number of sexual offences across England and Wales go unreported — which means every case that does reach police, like this one in Dartford, may well be the visible edge of something larger.
Appeals like this one live or die on community cooperation. Dartford’s residents, its workers, the people who pass through it regularly — they’re the ones most likely to clock a familiar face in a CCTV still. That local knowledge matters more than most people realise.
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Key Takeaways
- Kent Police have released CCTV images of an unidentified man they wish to speak to in connection with a reported sexual assault in Dartford
- The man has not been charged or named; he is being sought for questioning as part of an active investigation
- Anyone with information should contact Kent Police with the reference number from the force’s appeal, or call Crimestoppers anonymously
What This Means for Kent Residents
If you live, work, or spend time in Dartford, Kent Police are asking for your help directly. Look closely at the CCTV image. If you recognise the person shown, contact officers or Crimestoppers — don’t approach the individual yourself. Anyone in Kent affected by sexual violence can access confidential support through NHS 111 or a local sexual assault referral centre (SARC); details are on the NHS website or available through a GP.