DETECTIVES are searching for a man wearing a black hooded top who indecently assaulted a 12-year-old girl.

The assault occurred as the victim was walking through Taylors Alley which runs from WH Smiths in Ashford High Street to Wilkinsons.

As she did so she passed a man in a doorway who smelt of alcohol. She took another 10 to 15 steps and then felt the man's hands on her shoulders, pulling her back into the doorway.

The man indecently assaulted her before she managed to break free and she ran off in the direction of Wilkinsons. Police say the girl lives in Ashford.

The man is described as white, aged between 38-42, slim build, brown hair and unshaven. He was wearing a black zip hooded top, black baseball hat and blue jeans.

Acting Det Insp Andrea Bishop said: “We would like to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of the incident between 5.15pm and 5.45pm on Saturday, October 22, and saw anything suspicious.

“We particularly want to speak to a woman who was sitting on a bench at the Wilkinson’s end of Taylors Alley, and two women who were walking down the alley at the time of the incident.”

Contact Ashford Police Station on 01233 619195. Alternatively call Crime stoppers Hotline on 0800 555111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free, you do not have to give your name and you may be eligible for a reward.