DETECTIVES are appealing for three teenage boys to come forward as they continue their investigation into an alleged sexual assault on 14-year-old girl.

The incident happened at around 9.30pm on Sunday, February 17 as the girl walked alone along a wooded pathway which runs adjacent to Ormesby Road, between the junction of Cricket Lane and Normanby Hall Park, Middlesbrough.

The three males walked along the pathway on the other side of the road shortly prior to the incident and police believe they may have information which could assist them.

They are described as being white males, aged between 16 and 18 years old, of slim build and one was wearing a red Canada Goose coat with fur round the hood, with the hood up.

Specialist officers are supporting the victim and her family as detectives continue to explore CCTV opportunities in the area around where the incident took place.

Officers would also re-appeal to anyone who may have dash cam footage from the area around the time of the incident.

The suspect is described as a black male aged in his late twenties or early thirties, between 5ft 11in tall and 6ft tall, of large build with muscular arms.

Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth said: “We are continuing with our enquiries today, and part of this is to trace three males who walked along the adjacent pathway to where the incident happened shortly before 9.30pm on Sunday, February 17.

“It is important that these males come forward and speak to us, as they may have information which could assist the investigation.”

  • Anyone who may have information regarding the identities of the three males, or anyone who may have dash cam footage or private CCTV cameras near to the location of the incident are asked to contact DC Iona Leigh-Jones on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 28100. Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org