DETECTIVES investigating the sexual assault of a schoolgirl on the Isle of Wight are looking to see if it is linked to any historic cases in Hampshire.

An 11-year-old girl was out with her family at Fort Victoria, near Yarmouth, last weekend, when she was approached by a man who sexually assaulted her.

The man targeted her at around 11am on Saturday, September 6, and then walked away after attacking her.

Officers have today renewed their appeal for witnesses to the incident after revealing that they are working with officers on the mainland to see if it is linked to any other assaults.

He is described as being white, in his 50's, with uncut grey hair and a deep voice. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt with dark blue and light blue stripes and blue jeans.

Detective Inspector Floyd Higginson said: “Thankfully incidents such as this are very rare on the Isle of Wight.

“We are working with our colleagues on the mainland to find out whether any similar historic reports have been made in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and whether they could be linked.

“We continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry to identify this offender and would urge members of the public to report any information to us which could assist our investigation.

“Speculation, particularly on social media, can heighten concerns in the community and may not be based on fact.

“We reiterate our personal safety advice is to ensure that parents are aware of where their children are and avoid letting them walk or play alone in secluded areas. We ask that you report any suspicious activity or people to us.”

A man was arrested a short time after the incident occurred but he has since been released with no further action to be taken against him.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CID at Newport on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.