A CHILD was assaulted by a man who got out a van as she walked home from school.

The 11-year-old girl had just got off her bus and was making her way along Bracken Road, in North Baddesley near to its junction with Rownhams Lane when she became aware of a white van driving slowly beside her.

She turned around and saw the two men inside were staring at her.

She started to run off as she was frightened, police said.

But the passenger in the van then got out and ran up beside her- shoving her to the ground.

He then got back in the van before driving off.

The girl was not badly hurt but police say they are appealing for witnesses to find those responsible for this unusual attack which left the girl shocked.

The men are both described as black. The passenger was in his 30s and was about 5ft 9 inches tall and of medium to large build with long black platted hair and a pony tail. He had some sort of cut or scratch down the left side of his face and was wearing a black tracksuit and hooded top.

The driver was a little older but similar in height and build, He was wearing a black top and had slightly shorter hair but also had a pony tail.

It happened at around 3.35pm on Friday, January 13.

Police are now appealing for anyone who thinks they saw the van with the men in it in the area at around that time or anyone acting suspiciously.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Bill Bye at Romsey Police Station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.