Police step up patrols after 'horrific' sex attack on girl, 12, in Carshalton

Suspect: Police have released CCTV of a man they would like to speak to.
Met Police
Francesca Gillett23 January 2017
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Police have stepped up patrols after a “horrific” sex attack on a 12-year-old schoolgirl in a churchyard.

The girl was out jogging when she was approached by an unknown man who assaulted her.

She managed to escape from the stranger and ran home after the terrifying attack, which happened in Carshalton at around 5pm on Monday, October 24 last year.

The young victim has been left distressed and afraid to leave the house, police said.

'Horrific' sex attack: Police said the assault has left the victim distressed and afraid to leave the house.
Met Police

The attack happened in the grounds of All Saints Church in High Street, Carshalton.

The Met Police said such incidents were “rare” in the Sutton area, and confirmed that officers are now upping patrols to help keep people feeling safe.

Detectives said the suspect is described as a white man, around 5ft 10ins tall, stocky and with short ginger or blonde hair.

Carshalton: The attack happened in the grounds of All Saints Church in High Street, Carshalton.
Google

He was wearing a navy hooded top, dark jeans and carrying a jacket.

Detective Sergeant Carly Black of the Met Police said: “This horrific assault has left a young girl distressed and afraid to leave the house on her own to do the things she enjoys.

“We are determined to catch the person responsible for this crime and we’d appeal for any witnesses, or anyone who recognises the man pictured in the CCTV still to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“We’d like to reassure the community that this is being treated as an isolated incident. Attacks of this nature are extremely rare in Carshalton. However, reassurance patrols are taking place in the area to help the community feel as safe as possible.

“Anyone who has any concerns, or sees something suspicious should contact the police.”

Anyone who has information or recognises the man in the CCTV should contact police on 020 8721 4106, via the police non-emergency number 101 or on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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