DETECTIVES are investigating after a young girl was sexually assaulted by a man on her way to school.

The 13-year-old had been dropped off by her parents and was walking along Eskdale Terrace in Jesmond when the man touched her inappropriately before she fled.

The incident, at 8.05am yesterday left the girl unharmed but shaken.

Sergeant Graeme Homewood said: "The girl was not hurt but was understandably distressed.

"It's only natural that an incident like this will cause concern, especially among parents, and I would like to reassure people that we are doing all we can to find the man responsible.

"Officers are carrying out house-to-house enquiries and are studying CCTV and we will be putting on extra patrols around school starting and finishing times."

The man is described as being in his fifties or sixties, white, over 6ft tall, with medium build.

He had a grey moustache and was wearing a woollen hat, a knee-length coat and possibly a scarf.

Sgt Homewood added: "I would ask anyone who recognises this description, or has any information, to contact us as soon as possible."

Any witnesses or anyone with information is urged to contact police on 03456- 043-043 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.