Police hunt for man who 'sexually assaulted' boy

DETECTIVES are asking for help to trace a man following an alleged sexual assault on an eight-year-old boy in Brampton Bierlow.

The boy was walking along Higham Road in the village last Thursday, July 18, at 7.30pm, when a man approached him, a police spokeswoman said.

The man reportedly took hold of the boy by his hips and removed his t-shirt.

"It is then alleged that the man tried to remove the boy’s shorts when an unknown passer-by started to shout," said the spokeswoman.

"The offender then left the scene.

"The boy wasn’t injured in the incident."

The spokeswoman said the incident might be linked to other on-going investigations in the area and officers were keen to identify the alleged offender.

The man is described as being white, of an average build, with short dark hair and facial stubble.

He is reported to have been wearing an orange short-sleeved top and beige or sandy-coloured trousers which appeared dirty, especially below the knees. The man was not wearing shoes or socks.

Det Insp Andy Knowles said: “I would like to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to trace the man involved and this appeal is just one of our lines of enquiry.

“We understand incidents of this nature can be worrying and cause concerns for parents in our community.

"We are stepping up patrols in the area and will continue to work towards finding the man in connection to this incident.

"I would particularly like to hear from the person who shouted at the male and scared him off.” 

Officers would like to speak to witnesses or anyone who has information that might be able to help with their enquires.  

Anyone who has information about the incident should call 101, quoting incident number 942 of July 18.

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