A 13-YEAR-OLD girl has been the victim of a sexual assault in Southampton.

The schoolgirl was attacked in Gainsford Road on her way back from the shops.

The girl was approached by a man who started talking to her and asked for directions.

She told told him twice she could not help him and went to walk away. But as she did he attacked her before walking off towards Peartree Avenue.

The offender is described as Asian, around 5ft 4in, slim, with medium length, styled black hair flicked up at the front and dark brown eyes.

He spoke with a strong Asian accent and was wearing a short sleeved black T-shirt with a white V-neck and dark blue, fitted denim jeans. He was riding an old black bike with a white saddle, which had rust patches on the frame.

PC Alex Lockyer said: “Due to the time of day and the rush hour traffic I believe it’s likely someone would have seen this man in the Gainsford Road or Peartree Avenue areas.

“I would like to stress that this is an isolated incident and unusual for this location and time of day. Inquires are ongoing to identify and arrest the man responsible.”

Anyone with information about the attack, which happened just after 5pm last Wednesday, should call Bitterne Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.