A 15-year-old girl has said she had to flee to safety after being sexually assaulted by an older teenage boy in a park.

The girl said she was in the play area at Hanborough Park off Pinsley Road in Long Hanborough, near Witney, at about 5.20pm on Monday when she was approached by the teenage boy who she did not know.

She said she was then sexually assaulted in a wooded area behind the pavilion next to the play area.

The girl said the boy was white, between 5ft 9ins and 6ft tall and aged between 15 and 17. He had dark brown hair and a spotty face with red patches.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a navy blue polo shirt which was buttoned up and black Adidas trainers which had white soles.

Witney Gazette:

The park is next door to Hanborough Pre-School and the village sports courts. 

When the girl managed to get away she fled across the playing field, past a man who was running with his dog.

Police have now said they urgently want to speak to the dog walker.

Investigating officer PC Laura Oakes based at Witney police station, said: “I would especially like to trace the man who was seen running with a dog at the time of the offence. The dog was a grey lurcher or greyhound.

“The man was wearing a running vest and jogging bottoms and could have vital information for our investigation. He is not being treated as a suspect.

“I believe it was the presence of this man that actually led the assault being stopped, and so I am appealing for him to make contact with police."

Anyone who may have information is urged to contact the 24-hour police call centre on 101 or make a report online quoting the reference number 43180277129.

You can also make a report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.