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A topless sketch of a man has been released by the FBI investigating child sex abuse.

Officers are asking the public for help in identifying the man in connection with the child sexual exploitation case.

They say the man may have critical information pertaining to the identity of a child victim in the case.

The video of the man with the child was first published by the the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in October of 2017.

(Image: FBI)

The man has been dubbed John Doe 40.

He is described as a white male, likely between the ages of 30 and 40.

He appears to be heavyset with dark hair.

"John Doe 40" could be heard speaking English in the video.

This individual is being sought as part of the FBI’s Operation Rescue Me and Endangered Child Alert Program initiatives, both of which represent strategic partnerships between the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Operation Rescue Me focuses on utilising clues obtained through in-depth image analysis to identify the child victims depicted in child exploitation material.

ECAP seeks national and international media exposure of unknown adults (referred to as John/Jane Does) who visibly display their faces and/or other distinguishing characteristics.

If you recognise the man, submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov/