Warning To Girls In Fordingbridge

Police are advising women in Fordingbridge to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings after a teenage girl was assaulted while walking home through the town late at night.
 
The alleged incident occurred in Bruyn Road sometime between 11.45pm on Saturday, November 19 and 00:15am on Sunday, November 20.
 
As the 17 year old local girl passed a side road, she was grabbed from behind by an unknown man who forced her against a fence.  He then attempted to assault her but she managed to push him to the ground and run off.  Although traumatised by the ordeal, the girl was otherwise unharmed.
 
Although this is very rare in Fordingbridge, police are advising women not to walk home alone at night unless it is unavoidable and to stay in well lit busy areas. They should also pay attention to their surroundings at all times.

Police have now released a CCTV image (pictured) of a man police would like to speak to about the incident as he may be an important witness.
 
If anyone was in the area at that time and saw or heard anything that will assist the police investigation, they are asked to contact the Area Investigation Team at Lyndhurst police station on 101 or the Crimestoppers charityline on 0800 555 111.