A GIRL was sexually assaulted while walking her dog in North Dorset.

The 16-year-old was walking her dog on the North Dorset Trailway between Blandford and Stourpaine at around 12.30pm on Tuesday, February 21.

At this time, a man made conversation as he walked past her.

They had a brief conversation, before he began to make inappropriate comments.

The man reportedly shook the victim’s hand to say goodbye and as she attempted to pull away, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand down to touch his crotch area.

The man, who is described as being approximately 35 years old and five feet six inches tall, walked away following the incident in the direction of Blandford.

An image of the suspect has been released and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Police Constable Richard Cooke, of Blandford police, said: "This incident understandably left the victim feeling stunned at what had happened and we are carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the man involved. 

"I am issuing an image of the suspect and would appeal to anyone who may recognise him from his clothing to please get in touch.

"I am also keen to speak to a woman who was walking a dog along the North Dorset Trailway at the time of the incident and walked past both the suspect and the victim as she may have important information to assist my enquiries."

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 55210030875.

Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.