An urgent appeal has been launched after an 11-year-old girl was ‘touched inappropriately’ while leaving a park.
Police have released pictures of a man they would like to speak to following the disturbing incident in Portsmouth.
A man took hold of the victim’s arm as she walked along the path which leads out of Stamshaw Park, in the direction of Rudmore roundabout, on Monday.
He is said to have then made ‘inappropriate comments’ towards the child and touched her over her clothing around 4.30pm.
The schoolgirl fled but was followed by her attacker, who left once she reached Rudmore roundabout and called police.
She is being supported by specialist officers as an investigation is launched.
The man officers wish to speak to in connection with the incident is aged between 18 and 25 years old.
He is black with dark hair and is of slim build. He was dressed mostly in black with a white t-shirt at the time of the assault. A small black bag was also in his hand.
A statement from Hampshire Police 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?’
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