Police are appealing to shoppers who may have seen a man sexually assault a schoolgirl in Southend's town centre to come forward.
The man is said to have walked up to a group of teenagers outside Argos in Victoria Plaza and begun a lewd conversation with them before indecently touching a 14-year-old girl.
Investigating officer Dean Yarnell said: "A group of nearby shoppers witnessed the interaction between the man and the girl, leading them to shout across the mall in order to inquire about her welfare.
The man was described as about 30-years-old and around 5ft 8in tall. He was wearing a black suit and a black shirt and carrying a black bag and a distinctive grey boater hat.
The man followed the girls to Southend Victoria railway station, but then headed off elsewhere.
Anyone who saw the incident, at 7.30pm on Friday, August 13, is asked to call Southend police on 01702 431212.
Published Tuesday August 24, 2004
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