Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a spate of attacks on pensioners sneezing in Carlisle . A thug is believed to be randomly attacking pensioners shopping in the street who dare to sneeze . Police have received five reports of a man slapping people in Carlisle town centre who sneezed , including from a 65-year-old woman who was hit on the head . Officers have released CCTV images of the man they are looking for , who is targeting 'innocent members of the public . ' They said the offence was certainly unique , and they were treating it incredibly seriously . The first reported incident occurred took place on February 19 between 11.15am and 11.30am outside the Andalusian bar in Warwick Road in Carlisle . The victim was a 65-year-old woman who was slapped on the head after sneezing . On 17 March an 82-year-old woman was also targeted by a man , who police believe is the same attacker . PC Mike Watson , of Cumbria Constabulary said : 'This is certainly a unique type of incident and one that is being treated seriously by ourselves . 'The offender is assaulting innocent members of the public and that sort of behaviour will not be tolerated . 'We would also like to appeal to anyone who may be a victim to come forward as your information could bring this offender to justice . 'We would like to speak to the person pictured in the CCTV image in connection with these offences . 'We appeal to anyone who recognises him to make contact , any information provided could be crucial to our investigation . ' Other reports of incidents included a 77-year-old woman from Carlisle being attacked on February 24 , and a 67-year-old man being targeted at the town 's bus station on March 4 . Just three days later a 65-year-old woman was attacked in The Lanes Shopping Centre . Most of the attacks took place between 11am and 12.30pm on each of the days . The man is said to be targeting people in Carlisle town centre , slapping them when they sneeze . As well as the five reports , police have been informed of two further incidents where the victim has not yet come forward . The man is believed to be in his 50s . Shoppers in Carlisle are said to have been confused by the incident . Gemma Prosser , 19 , a trainee shop assistant , said : 'We heard as it happened in the town centre and at first we just thought it was a bit weird . 'When you think about it , it is really awful because anyone can sneeze at any time and it 's not your fault . '
A man has been targeting pensioners in Carlisle who have been sneezing . The pensioner was left with a sore throat and coughing fit after he had to go into hospital for treatment at the weekend.