IAN CLARKE A 16-year-old girl on a night out in Dereham was sexually assaulted in an alleyway.The girl was alone in the walkway between Commercial Road and the Recreation Ground between 10 and 11pm on Friday when the man approached and assaulted her.

IAN CLARKE

A 16-year-old girl on a night out in Dereham was sexually assaulted in an alleyway.

The girl was alone in the walkway between Commercial Road and the Recreation Ground between 10 and 11pm on Friday when the man approached and assaulted her.

She was left very upset by the incident and over the weekend was interviewed by detectives to give more information on what happened and given a medical.

Police have appealed for information on the assault, and they especially want to hear from anyone who may have seen what happened and seen the man – who approached from Commercial Road and then made off across the Rec behind the tennis courts and towards Station Road.

It appears the man left the scene after hearing girls' voices approaching.

He is described as white, aged 18-20, average build and quite tall and with short brown hair.

Det Con Peter Hawkins, of Dereham CID, said: "This is concerning and we want to trace the offender as soon as possible."

He urged girls to stay in groups when they are out and keep an eye on each other.

Anyone with information should contact Dereham CID on 0845 4564567.