A schoolgirl was dragged to the ground and subjected to a terrifying sexual assault in front of her friends as they walked through an alley in Hyde on Friday.
The teenager, 14, was walking with two girls between Lodge Lane and Bennett Street at around 10.20pm when a man approached them dragging one to the ground and sexually assaulting her.
The girl managed to free herself and ran off flagging down a police car while her friends ran into a house on Lodge Lane and raised the alarm.
Detective Inspector Richard Ennis said: “This is obviously a worrying incident and we are providing support to the young girl and her friends.
“The community can be assured that we have launched a full investigation in an attempt to identify the offender. We are conducting thorough forensic and CCTV enquiries and have been and will continue to speak to people who were in the general area at the time and residents who live nearby and there will be an increased police presence.
“As alarming as this is, incidents such as this are extremely rare.
“However, the brazen nature in which he has targeted a young girl in full view of her friends is of concern and that is why anyone with information about this incident or the man responsible should get in touch.”
The offender is described as being in his late 30s or early 40s, about 5ft 8in tall, of stocky build and was wearing a black bubble jacket. He is believed to be a smoker, bald and had stubble.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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