A 17-year-old girl managed to escape an attempted sexual assault on a path between Arlesey and Stotfold yesterday – and police are appealing for witnesses.

The girl was walking between the two towns at about 2.30pm when she was approached by a man, described as about 19 years old, who pulled her to the ground and attempted to sexually assault her.

She managed to push him off her and ran away, then called police.

The suspected offender is described as a tanned, slim white man wearing a blue hooded top with the hood up and jeans. He had a beer can in his hand.

Det Con Dale Ashpole, investigating, said: “This was a completely unacceptable incident which happened in broad daylight and we’re working hard to find the person responsible.

“Understandably this incident will be unsettling for the local communities but I’d like to reassure you that we are taking action, and we are also carrying out reassurance patrols today and over the coming days.

“I’d like to appeal to anyone who believes they may have information to help us catch this person to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact Det Con Ashpole on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.