A man in his 40s suspected of sexually assaulting a ten-year-old girl on a footpath in Bradford was being hunted last night.

Detectives yesterday released details of the attack which happened as the girl was walking along a path by St Matthew’s Field in Allerton.

The suspect, whose face was covered by a scarf, then walked off towards St Matthew’s Primary School in Saffron Drive, while the victim ran home.

Police have described the attacker as Asian, in his 40s, about 5ft 9in 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 has described seeing people in the area just before she was attacked, and we would be keen to hear from anyone in the area at that time, or anyone who might have seen a man acting suspiciously in the immediate area.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who saw a man of similar description acting suspiciously in the Allerton area at about 7pm on April 1.

“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 555111.