A TEENAGE girl was sexually assaulted as she walked home from a friend’s house in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 16 year old was approached from behind by a man in Manor Road, St Albans, at 2.45am and touched inappropriately before she pushed him away and ran off.

Prior to the incident she had walked along Waverley Road, Normandy Road and then Catherine Street before spotting her attacker at the junction with Hatfield Road, when he began following her and stopped her to ask where a road was.

She said she didn’t know and carried on walking along Hatfield Road before joining St Peter’s Road and going onto Manor Road.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following the sexual assault and have released a description of the suspect.

He is thought to be a white man, around 6ft tall, aged between 20 and 30, of a slim build with short dark brown hair and he was wearing a military-style jacket, blue jeans and dark smart shoes.

Detective constable Rebecca Primrose, from the St Albans Local Crime Unit, is investigating and said: “I would reassure people that these types of incidents are not common in St Albans, which is why we are keen to find out who is responsible and prevent any similar incidents.

“I would like to appeal for anyone who was in the roads mentioned at the time of the incident and saw a man matching the description hanging around or even following a girl.”

She added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to remind girls and women of some simple crime prevention advice to ensure they stay safe. In particular, always try to walk with friends rather than alone and, if you believe someone is following you, go to the nearest busy place, such as a petrol station.”

If you can help, contact Dc Primrose via the non emergency number on 0845 33 00 222. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.