POLICE HUNT SUSPECT AFTER GIRL SEXUALLY ASSAULTED NEAR BATH PLAYGROUND

Avon and Somerset Police are searching for a suspect following the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl near a playground in Bath. The incident occurred in a wooded area close to the Clarks Way playground in Odd Down on Wednesday at approximately 17:00. Officers described the suspect as a white man aged in his 30s or 40s with a distinctive neck tattoo, wearing a T-shirt, shorts and a cap at the time of the assault.

Detective Inspector Hannah Marsh stated that the incident is "incredibly serious" and that significant resources are being deployed to support the investigation. Avon and Somerset Police have increased patrols in the area and are conducting house-to-house enquiries whilst reviewing CCTV footage. Officers are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the vicinity around the time of the incident, or who matches the suspect's description.

Members of the public are encouraged to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference number 5226174542. The force said that anyone with information that could assist the investigation should report it through this channel. The appeal remains active as officers continue their search for the suspect.