Urgent hunt launched after girl, 11, ‘sexually assaulted near playground in broad daylight’

An urgent search has been launched after a young girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in woodland near a playground in Bath.

The alleged attack on the 11-year-old boy took place in woodland near Clarks Way playground in the Odd Down area at around 5pm on Wednesday.

The suspect is believed to be between 30 and 40 years old, with white skin and a prominent tattoo on his neck. He was also wearing a T-shirt, shorts and a cap at the time.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information regarding the ‘serious sexual assault’.

While police teams are conducting house-to-house inspections in the area, they are also examining security cameras to identify the suspect.

The victim and his family are supported by specially trained police officers, while the rape and serious sexual offenses team, Operation Bluestone, work with detectives to identify the suspect.

Detective Inspector Hannah Marsh, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: ‘This is an incredibly serious incident and significant resources are available to support our investigation and we are prioritizing efforts to identify the offender.

‘I would appeal to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time of the incident, or who fits the description given, to contact us.

‘Support will be available for the victim for as long as needed and we will keep him and his family updated as our investigation progresses.

‘Neighbourhood officers are carrying out extra patrols in the area today and will continue in the coming days.’

Anyone with information can call 101 and quote reference number 5226174542 to the call handler or complete the online appeal form.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the Anonymous Online Form.