Schoolgirl attacked on footpath

A hunt is under way for a man who sexually assaulted a schoolgirl as she walked along a Hampshire footpath.

The 15-year-old, dressed in her school uniform and wearing trousers, was attacked on a grassy footpath which runs alongside Applemoor Sports Centre, from Cygnus Gardens to Sizer Way in Hythe.

A man grabbed her from behind, forced her to the ground and subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

The shocked pupil managed to make her way to a nearby supermarket, where she alerted a member of the public who then contacted the police.

Detectives from Hythe are now appealing for witnesses to the incident.

Her attacker has been described as a white, in his early 20s, with dark hair in a skinhead cut.

He wore a red tracksuit top and black baggy trousers.