Girl Assaulted On Footpath

27 June 2011, 12:51 | Updated: 27 June 2011, 12:55

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following an assault that happened on a bridle way between Mengham Lane and Salterns Lane on Saturday, June 25.

At about 9.30pm a 14-year-old girl was walking along the bridle way close to some stables when she saw a man approaching her. As she walked past the man grabbed the girl's wrist. The victim kicked the suspect and managed to get free, running
off towards Salterns Lane. The suspect left in the direction of Mengam Lane.

He is described as:

White

About 40-years-old

Skinny build

Approximately 5ft 11ins to 6ft tall

Long, messy hair that reached just below the ears and was white / grey in colour

Unshaven with stubble, also white

Wearing a black hooded jumper with a front double pocket

Wearing baggy jeans

Detective Inspector Wendy Priston said: "This incident has left the young girl very understandably shaken and upset. While she did not come to any harm, we are very keen to track down this man quickly, as this kind of behaviour is completely
unacceptable.

"We would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward if they saw a man fitting this description. From the victim's statement we believe that at least one member of the public was using the bridle way around the time of the incident, and they may be able to provide us with vital information.

"This kind of incident is extremely rare, but residents should take precautions when walking out at this time of night. Always try to arrange to walk with others, or arrange to be picked up in a vehicle. Always try to walk on well lit main roads."

Anyone with information should contact Waterlooville CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.