Police CCTV appeal as girl "sexually assaulted" in Weston-super-Mare
Police have released CCTV footage after a schoolgirl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man in a seaside town. On December 10, Avon and Somerset Police released a video showing a man wearing dark-coloured clothes crossing a street in Weston-super-Mare.
The force is hoping to be able to identify the man, as police want to speak with him in connection with their enquiries into the alleged sexual assault. On Saturday, December 6, an unknown man reportedly approached a 12-year-old girl in Byron Recreation Park, at about 9.20pm.
Read more: Armed officers swoop in as police helicopter flies over cordoned off area
Read more: Horror in lawless London as schoolboy stabbed to death in 1pm attack
He is alleged to have touched her waist and kissed her, before she ran away and sought help from a group of women close by.
The unknown man was described as being in his early-20s, Black, tall, of slim build and with facial stubble. He was said to be wearing black clothing.
Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Andy Barry said: “The girl has shown enormous courage in the face of a truly horrendous sexual assault. She did absolutely the right thing in running, telling responsible adults about what happened and ensuring this was reported to police.
“We’re also grateful to those women who kept her safe in the immediate aftermath of this frightening experience.
“Two officers met with the girl and her family that same evening and took a detailed account from the girl about what happened.
“This case is being investigated by specialist detectives who will ensure her welfare is considered at all times and that suitable support is available to her.”
Asking for people with information to come forward, Ch Insp Barry said: “Even at this time of the year we expect there were multiple people out in the area on a Saturday night and would be keen to hear from anyone with information that could benefit our investigation."
Referring to the footage released, which shows a man crossing Kenn Close, he added: “We’d particularly wish to speak to the driver of the vehicle that is shown passing the man to establish whether they have any dashcam footage that could provide further opportunities to identify him.
“We have not had any other similar reports of this happening in the area, but recognise this news will cause concern locally and so officers and PCSOs will be conducting extra patrols in the area.”
Witnesses, or anyone else with information, is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5225342867.