Investigation launched after 16-year-old girl sexually assaulted in Sherborne
Police say they're supporting the victim and searching for the person responsible
Last updated 16th Oct 2021
Officers investigating a report of sexual assault in Sherborne are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
At around 6pm on Sunday 10 October 2021 a 16-year-old girl was walking along an alleyway that runs off Powys Lane, to the rear of Sherborne Preparatory School. Halfway down the alley she walked past a man, who touched her inappropriately over her clothing.
The girl batted the man’s hand away and continued walking, with the man walking out of the alleyway and in the direction of Acreman Street.
He is described as white, aged around 50, between five feet five and five feet eight inches tall and of large build with brown hair in a buzz cut style and unshaven. He was wearing a dark blue baggy T-shirt and light grey tracksuit bottoms.
Police Sergeant Tony Skeldon, of Dorset Police, said: “It is completely unacceptable for a teenage girl to be subjected to this kind of assault and we take offences of this nature extremely seriously.
“We are carrying out a number of enquiries and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the offence, or has any further information that might assist our investigation, to please contact us.
“We are continuing to support the victim and will do everything we can do identify the man responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210163740. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.