Schoolgirl sexually assaulted on Hastings footpath

The 14-year-old girl was walking alone between 4pm and 4.12pm along a footpath adjacent to Sandrock Park, just off The Ridge, opposite the BP garage.

A man attempted to pull her into the trees alongside the path placing his hand up her skirt as he did so.

The victim screamed and ran off and the man disappeared.

He is described as white, in his early 20s, 6’, slim average build, with short dark hair, wearing a blue hooded waterproof jacket with white stripes running vertically down the arms, dark coloured trousers and trainers.

Detective Sgt Tony Webb said: “If you were in the area of The Ridge between 3.45pm and 4.30pm on Tuesday and saw this man or if you have any other information that may help, please email [email protected] or call 101 quoting Operation Westward.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“The circumstances of this attack are similar to a previous incident that happened in 2014 in that location.

“We have increased police presence in the area and I would like to assure local people that everything possible is being done to find this man.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsobserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @HastingsObs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Hastings Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.