A ten-year-old girl was sexually attacked by a man in his 40s on a footpath in Bradford, detectives revealed today.

The girl was walking along a path by St Matthew's Field in Allerton, when she was approached by her attacker, whose face was covered by a scarf.

The suspect walked off towards St Matthew's Primary School in Saffron Drive, as she ran home.

Police have described the attacker as Asian, in his 40s, about 5ft 9ins tall and of large build.

He was wearing light blue trousers with a number on, a black hooded waterproof jacket, also featuring a number on it, and a black woolly hat.

Specially-trained police officers have been liaising with the victim since the offence was reported to have taken place at about 3.30pm on Tuesday, March 25.

Inquiries are continuing to try to establish the circumstances of what happened.

Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Taylor, who is leading the investigation, said: "The victim is receiving support from specially-trained officers, and local neighbourhood officers are carrying out reassurance patrols.”

Anyone with any information should contact Detective Sergeant Simon Leek at Protective Services, Crime, on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.