Police are appealing for information after a school girl was sexually assaulted.

The 17-year-old was assaulted in an alleyway between Bell Road and the Avenue of Remembrance, next to Sittingbourne Cemetery, as she walked home from school.

The attack happened at about 5.20pm on Thursday, December 17.

The girl was walking towards the Avenue of Remembrance when a man approached her from behind and asked her the time.

He then grabbed her and sexually assaulted her before running off.

The man is aged between 17 and 19, of slim build with shoulder-length brown hair which was spiky at the front.

He was clean-shaven, about 5ft 8in tall and was wearing a long black coat, dark trousers and a jumper with green, red and white horizontal stripes.

Investigating officer, DC Jo Kirkham, of Sittingbourne Police, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time or may recognise the description of this young man.

“The 17-year-old was not hurt but she was left very shaken by the incident.

"Thankfully assaults like this are not common.”

• Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Kirkham on 01795 419337 or Kent Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.