AN URGENT manhunt has been launched as cops released CCTV of a running suspect after a girl was sexually assaulted walking home from school.
The 15-year-old victim was approached by a man on Tower Street in Dudley town centre, West Midlands, at around 3.20pm on January 16.
Police said he sexually assaulted the schoolgirl as he ran past her near to the Old Priory pub.
It is then understood that he followed the victim until she was helped away from the man by two women.
The girl has been left shaken and police are working to support her.
West Midlands Police recovered CCTV showing the suspect running through the town centre after the attack.
The suspect was described as white, skinny and of medium build.
He was around 40 years old, 5ft 10ins tall, with a beard, black tracksuit and gloves, a camouflage backpack, work boots and a hood up.
Detective inspector Alison Bridgewater, from the Public Protection Unit, said: “This was an appalling attack on a young girl as she walked through a busy town centre in the middle of the afternoon.
“Thankfully, she’s not been physically harmed but we are offering her support as we work hard to identify her attacker.
“The CCTV shows lots of people around, including a number of men in fluorescent jackets.
“We are trying to identify them, but would urge anyone who recognises themselves in the footage to get in touch so that we can establish if they saw anything.
“Two women comforted the girl after her ordeal, and we’re yet to speak to them, so I’d also really like to hear from them.”
Get in touch via Live Chat or 101, quoting 20/152587/24.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
