[11 SEP 01] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Young Girl Assaulted

Police in Coventry are appealing for witnesses and putting out an alert to parents after a six-year-old girl was indecently assaulted in the city.

The incident happened between 5.45pm and 6.00pm on Friday 7 September while the youngster was playing on some grassland near houses in Fred Lee Grove, Stivichall.

The girl, who was staying with relatives in Stivichall, had been playing with other children but was left on her own for just a few minutes. During this brief period she was approached by a man who indecently assaulted her before running off.

The offender is described as a white man aged about 30 to 40 who was wearing blue trousers. A distinguishing feature is that one of his eyes appeared to be crooked.

WDC Julia Baskerville said the girl suffered no obvious injury but she was very distressed by the incident. She said:

"It is very worrying that an incident such as this should take place in a highly residential area where children were playing not far from houses."

"I am appealing for anyone who saw the incident - or who perhaps saw a man answering the description loitering in the Fred Lee Grove area of Stivichall last Friday - to contact police.

"I would also appeal to parents to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their children if they are playing outside.

"I don't want to be unnecessarily alarmist because no other incidents of this nature have been reported in this area, but I urge people to be aware of where their children are and not to leave them alone."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact 0845 113 5000 and ask to speak to officers at Fletchamstead Highway police station.

Alternatively, information can be given in confidence on the Crimestoppers hotline by ringing 0800 555111.