12 Year Old Sexually Assaulted In Sholing

Police in Southampton are appealing for information following a sexual assault on a girl.

It happened in Butts Road, Sholing at around 4.10pm Thursday, September 20. 

A 12-year-old girl was walking home from a nearby shop, the 'One Stop'. 

A man approached her from behind, and then sexually assaulted her. He then made off towards Bursledon Road. 

The girl managed to run home and raise the alarm. 

The man is described as:

- White 

- 5ft 8 tall 

- 30-40 years old 

- Medium build 

- Short ginger or blonde hair 

- Wearing a black jumper or jacket and dark trousers 

Detective Sergeant Andy Hedley who is investigating said: 

"This is a serious incident in a busy area and we feel certain someone must have seen this man.

"Did you see a man running along the road at around 4.10pm? Or did you see a man fitting this description and a young girl together?" 

He added: "This is clearly a concerning incident but I'd like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to trace this man. 

"If you have any information please call police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999." 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives at Southampton Central police station on 101 or via the website www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/contact/message_officer.htm 

You can also call the charity Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.