Appeal after assault on 15 year old girl in Skerton

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a 15-year-old schoolgirl was sexually assaulted in an alleyway in Skerton, Lancaster on Monday night (6th June 2011).

The offence took place at 8.50pm when the girl was walking home alone. She was followed by a teenage boy who has grabbed her and forced her into an alleyway off Barley Cop Lane close to Baker Street which links to Myndon and Oxford Street, where she was sexually assaulted.

The young girl screamed and kneed the offender, causing him to run off.

The offender is described as white man, aged around 17 or 18 years old; 5ft 10inches tall and a stocky build. He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up concealing his face, dark bottoms and white trainers.

Police acted quickly on the assault, conducting door to door enquiries in the area.

“This is a serious offence on an innocent young girl," said DS Mark Stephens from Lancaster CID, "and I am appealing for any witnesses who may have heard or seen anything in the area around 8.50pm on Monday night to contact us.

“The incident happened in a residential area so I would urge anyone that thinks they saw the suspect either before or after the offence to contact police.

“I would like to reassure local people that an investigation is underway and patrols have been stepped up in the area.”

• Anyone with any information should call Lancaster Police on 01524 63333 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.