Man in sex case arrest is released (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Man in sex case arrest is released

12:40pm Friday 24th March 2006 in Chippenham By Hayley Court

A MAN arrested in connection with an alleged sex assault on a teenage pupil at Sheldon School, Chippenham has been released without charge.

Police are still appealing for witnesses in their hunt for the attacker with a snake tattoo .

The victim, one of the younger pupils at the achool, is described as being of slim build and with shoulder length hair, carrying a rucksack on her back, and wearing a long dark coat, navy fleece and light grey school trousers.

She left school at around 6.pm last Tuesday, following an after-school activity, and made her way up the hill away from the school and past St Nicholas Church.

When she reached the wooded area, which is situated to the right-hand side of Hardenhuish Lane going up the hill towards the Malmesbury Road, she states that she heard a raised voice coming from within the woods, which she entered to investigate further.

She did not tell her mother about the attack until Thursday. On Friday police cordoned off the area of woodland and a forensic team was called in.

On Saturday a 40-year-old local man was arrested in connection with the investigation but anyone with information is still urged to come forward. On Monday police got a warrant to extend his detention in custody but he was released yesterday night.

The girl says she entered the wood after hearing a raised voice and then she was sexually attacked.

Police are looking for a man descibed as white, of average build, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 7ins tall and believed to be in his 30s.

He is reported to have been wearing jeans and a grey T shirt which revealed a tattoo of a coiled snake, on his upper left arm.

He is also said to have had a large nose with a bump on the bridge and facial stubble.

Detective Cheif Inspector Kier Pritchard, who is heading the investigation, said: "We are treating this incident with due seriousness.

"An incident room has been set up at Melksham and up to 40 police officers and staff are engaged in the investigation."

The victim, who cannot be identified, is being supported by a family liason officer.

Gerard MacMahon, headtecher of Sheldon School said: "My first concern is for the young girl involved. "We will be doing all we can over the coming weeks and months to support her and her family.

"I also want to reassure all the other pupils and parents at both Sheldon and the neighbouring Hardenhuish School.

"Most of our children walk to and from school every day and Chippenham is a very safe town, nevertheless, we regularly remind pupils to walk with friends or brothers and sisters, go straight home, not to talk to strangers, avoid dark areas and to let parents know where they are and when they are due home.DCI Pritchard reminds anyone who may have information regarding the reported incident to contact either police 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

• Further updates on this story will be posted as they happen.