A devastated mum has told how her 11-year-old daughter was left traumatised after being sexually assaulted on a bus while travelling to school.

The young girl was targeted by a man on the Arriva service in Maidstone on Friday morning.

Police have confirmed that detectives are investigating the reported sexual assault and are appealing for witnesses.

The incident is alleged to have happened on a bus as it travelled from the town centre towards Tonbridge, between 8am and 8.30am on Friday.

A man got onto the bus in Broadway after which it is alleged he stood next to the victim and sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as being black, aged in his 20s or 30s, around five feet and ten inches tall, of large build and with a shaved beard.

He was wearing a padded jacket, black woollen hat and glasses.

The girl's mum said: "He put his hands on her leg, stroking her, and pushed himself up against the back of her.

"She tried to move away from him but he followed her, basically manoeuvring himself around and against her."

Despite the girl's best efforts, the man would not leave her alone.

The mum continued: "My daughter told him to stop and spoke up about being molested on the bus, but this man acted absolutely oblivious to what he was doing.

"Her school sent her home and she was very shaken.

"She doesn't want to get on a bus ever again..."

"I had to go and get her and she is absolutely traumatised.

"She doesn't want to get on a bus ever again and my dear little girl kept saying thank God she didn't wear her skirt that day."

The incident has been reported to the police.

The girl tried to tell the bus driver but due to the large number of passengers on the service she decided to quickly remove herself from the situation.

Her mother added: "Parents please be aware.

"This could be your child - I'm sick to my stomach, my poor girl.

"We don't know where he got off the bus but she said during the whole of her journey she had to put up with this and just wanted to get off fast.

"She is doing OK now but is saying she's never getting on a bus again.

"My little girl fears it is going to be full of men wanting to do it again."

Arriva has also been contacted for comment.

Detective sergeant Nicola Krucyk, of the West Kent vulnerability investigation team, said: "Officers are currently reviewing available CCTV footage, however, in the meantime we are appealing for anybody who believes they know who the man is to contact us."

Anyone with information should call the appeal line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/240848/22.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form.