Appeal after 12 year old sexually assaulted

HAMPSHIRE POLICE have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses and information after a twelve year old girl was sexually assaulted in Fareham on Monday morning (July 11) as she walked to school; this incident occurring at 8:10am and a report made to officers later that day.

It was stated that the victim was approached by an unidentified male on Wallington Shore Road before being inappropriately touched whilst passing the Roundabout Hotel. The male, not known to the victim, is then said to have casually walked off in the direction of the Cob and Pen restaurant.

The victim was not injured and is being supported by a team specialist officers at this time, helping to give description of her attacker. A press release reads that the man was white, had a muscular build and further approximately aged in his forties; whilst also having short dark hair and a short beard.

He is also described as wearing all grey clothing including a short sleeved t-shirt and trousers; the former having a small logo on the chest like a business uniform. It is also reported that the male wore dirty black builders shoes on and his hands were dirty-looking at the time of the assault.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team have been carrying out regular patrols in the area, but are keen to talk to anybody who saw or has potential footage of the incident and aftermath, which took place on a potentially busy main road in the morning rush hour as commuters started their daily activities.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling their non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 44220277172. Readers can also submit information to investigators online via the link: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/.

Alternatively, readers can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form available at crimestoppers-uk.org.