Police appeal over Market Drayton child sex assault
Police are appealing for witnesses after a 12-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Market Drayton.
A 12-year-old girl was sexually assaulted as she sat on a bench with a teenage boy, on the canal towpath near the aqueduct in Newcastle Road.
West Mercia Police said that while the exact date of the offence was unclear, it is believed to have taken place between 4pm and 5pm on a Saturday at the end of April or the beginning of May.
Around the time of the incident, a female dog walker passed the boy and girl and spoke with the victim before walking off.
Police say they are keen to speak to this woman as she may hold vital information which could assist with their enquiries.
She is described as white, in her 40s to 50s, with blonde or red shoulder-length hair and a full fringe. She was wearing a black raincoat, black walking trousers and boots, and was walking a dog with white and brown patches.
Police are urging this woman, or anyone else in the area at the time who may have witnessed the incident, to come forward by calling 101 and quoting incident 666S of June 21.
Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, via 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
*Following this incident, a 14-year-old boy from Market Drayton has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He has been released on bail until 29th September whilst enquiries continue.
