Police appeal after schoolgirl, 11, sexually assaulted on path

An appeal has been launched to track down a suspect who is believed to have sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl in broad daylight.

Hampshire Constabulary have released CCTV images of a man they want to speak to following the incident on Monday in Portsmouth.

Police said the man approached the young girl before taking hold of her arm, making sexual comments and touching her over her clothing.

The girl was able to get away from him, before he followed her a short distance. He stopped when she called police.

The incident, which happened at around 4.30pm on Monday, happened where the girl was walking along a path which leads out of Stamshaw Park in the direction of Rudmore roundabout.

In a statement, the suspect is described as being a black man between the ages of 18 and 25, has a slim build and black hair.

He was wearing all black, apart from a white t-shirt with a black vest over the top of it. He was also carrying a small black bag.

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have information to get in touch.

A statement said: "We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time who saw what happened, the moments leading up to it or the aftermath. We have attached an image of the exact location that the girl was approached at.

"Perhaps you saw this man or recognise him? Did you see anything suspicious? Were you driving between Rudmore roundabout and Stamshaw at the time specified and may have captured something on dash cam?"

Anyone with any information that may assist enquiries, is asked to call us on 101 quoting 44220351818.

Alternatively, you can follow this link to submit information.