Man wearing Christmas jumper sexually assaulted girl in Welling

The victim managed to escape and ran home, before alerting her brother and mum about what happened

A girl was sexually assaulted by a man who tried to force her to the ground and kiss her in Welling, south-east London, on Friday.

The victim was walking to a dance class when the man - described as being aged between 30 and 35 - attacked her at the Maxwell Road junction at about 4.20pm.

He tried to force her to the ground and kiss her, leaving the girl with several visible scratches on her neck.

Detectives have released CCTV footage of the suspect, who is white, with curly hair and was wearing a green Christmas jumper at the time of the assault.

The girl managed to escape and run home, while phoning her brother to tell him what had happened. The family are being supported by specially trained police officers.

Detectives from the the Met’s south east safeguarding team are leading the investigation.

The suspect is a white male with curly hair wearing a green jumper
Metropolitan Police

Detective Inspector Spencer Thomas said: “I understand that incidents of this nature are both shocking and concerning for the local community.

“I would reassure local residents that since this offence was reported to us we have increased uniformed patrols in the area and are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

“If you have any information about who this person could be, it is vital that you get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“Likewise, if you saw anything suspicious please make contact with us. No piece of information is too small."

If you have any information that could help the investigation call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC providing the reference CAD 5533/23APR21. Alternatively information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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