A SEX attacker who assaulted a teenage schoolgirl was being hunted by police yesterday.

The man struck in mid-afternoon as the girl was making her way along an alley in Richmond,which runs from Gordon Crescent to Gilling Road.

She was grabbed from behind and subjected to what detectives described as a "nasty" indecent assault.

The attacker then ran off in the direction of Gilling Road. Police believe he may have been disturbed by a passing vehicle.

The girl was left distressed and deeply shocked by the assault, but was later able to describe her attacker to detectives.

He was white, in his early 20s and had wide shoulders and dark, almost black hair, cut in a curtain style and short at the back.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a blue hip-length zipped anorak and dark blue, baggy denim jeans. He spoke with a local accent.

The incident took place at about 3.10pm on Thursday, and police are appealing for help in tracking down the offender.

They would particularly like to speak to anyone who may have seen something, or was driving in the area at the time, or from anyone who knows anything about the attack.

They are asked to contact the force control room on (01609) 789212.