A 15 year old girl has been sexually assaulted while walking in St Albans,

Police are appealing for witnesses of the assault, which happened near Marshalswick on Monday (8) at around 4.45pm.

The girl was walking into Gurney Court Road when she became aware of a man crossing Marshalswick Lane towards her.

A short time later she was approached from behind and sexually assaulted by him before turning around and seeing the offender run off towards Marshalswick.

The suspect is described as a man in his mid-20s who was around 5ft 9ins tall, with dark stubble on his face.

DC Stuart Alexander said: “Whilst it was dark at the time of the incident, it wasn’t late and I am sure there will have been people in the area who could assist us in identifying the offender.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who has in the area at the time and saw a man acting suspiciously to contact me with information.”

Anyone who can assist DC Alexander should call the Herts Police non-emergency number 101.

DC Stuart Alexander added: “I would like to reassure residents that these incidents are not commonplace in St Albans, however, I would ask people to consider the safety advice when out and about – particularly now the darker nights are here.”

Advice:

• Stick to busy areas

• Avoid short cuts through quiet, unlit, secluded or wooded areas and alleyways

• Try to keep with friends rather than walk alone

• Don’t speak to strangers

• Stay alert

• Don’t use iPods or personal stereo headphones whilst walking or jogging because you may not be able to hear someone approaching

• Make sure someone knows where you are going and tell them when you’ve arrived

• If you believe someone is following you, go to the nearest busy place, such as a petrol station.