Police investigating reports that a 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in a Stevenage field have today appealed for witnesses.

The alleged assault happened at about 2.40pm, when the girl was walking near Serpentine Wood in Great Ashby.

A man is said to have approached her, kissed her on the cheek and hugged her. The girl managed to break away and escape, before calling her mother for help.

A 51-year-old man from Stevenage has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, and has been bailed until June 29 while police make enquiries.

Det Con Hayden Coggins, who is investigating, said: “I am appealing for anyone who saw the alleged incident, or has information that could assist the investigation to get in contact.

“I would particularly like to speak to a woman who was walking two lurcher-type dogs and a border collie in the area, as we believe she may have spoken to the victim.

“I would also like to speak to a man who was in the area with a child around the time, and may have seen the victim following the alleged incident.”

Anyone with information that could help the police should call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference E1/17/4708.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or use their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you won’t need to go to court.