Police quiz public over sex attacker (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Police quiz public over sex attacker

Ref. 29010-17REGULAR users of Queens Park were yesterday approached by police in a bid to track down a man who indecently assaulted a teenage girl.

Officers were stationed at each of the entrances to the park and handed out leaflets to members of the public appealing for information on the attack, which happened last Monday afternoon.

An artist's impression of the man was released last week and detectives working on Operation Denim are already following up leads.

Det Sgt Mark Smith said: "We have had an excellent response from the general public.

"Last week we identified a key witness as a result of the operation."

He said that yesterday's operation had been a success. Sixty people were interviewed and more leads are being investigated.

But he explained that detectives still wanted help from regular park users.

"We are looking for people who use the park regularly at the same time of day. They are the sort of individuals who will notice someone out of the ordinary."

He added that the victim, who cannot be identified, was coping well but added that the attack was "an awful thing to have happened to a 13-year-old girl".

Police have already said that they believe the net is closing on the attacker, who struck at around 4.45pm.

Det Insp Paul Jennings told the Advertiser that it was likely the attacker was a local man.

Det Insp Jennings added that he was confident the man would be caught.

Officers from the National Crime Faculty in Berkshire have been called in to help with the investigation by building a profile of the man who followed the girl along Durham Street and approached her as she made her way through the park in the direction of the Drove Road entrance.

She tried to escape by running and hiding in bushes, but he chased after her and carried out a serious indecent assault on her.

He was about 18, 5ft 7in tall, with facial stubble. He wore a woollen hat and a light beige or cream round-necked top.

His victim wore a brown and green knee-length parka-type coat, black school trousers and black shoes.

Anyone who may have seen anything between 4.20pm and 5pm or who has any information which could help the investigation is urged to contact Swindon police on 01793 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.