Man assaulted girl on pavement

Police are hunting a man who indecently assaulted a girl as she sat on a pavement in her swimming costume.

Cleveland Police say a man in his 30s approached the nine-year-old, spoke to her, then lifted aside the straps of her costume before touching her chest.

The attack happened in Jameson Road, Owton Manor, Hartlepool, at 2000 BST on Sunday. Police say the man ran off when the girl shouted out.

He is described as white, in his 30s with stubble and greeny blue eyes.

Hartlepool accent

He also had long brown hair, bushy eyebrows and was wearing red trainers and baggy jeans.

The child had been playing with friends, but had wandered off and was sitting alone when the man approached her.

A police spokeswoman said: "We believe there were lots of people out at the time in their gardens enjoying the hot weather and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward."