A 14-YEAR-OLD schoolgirl was threatened with a knife by a man who attempted to sexually assault her, said police.

Now officers have launched an appeal for witnesses in a bid to track down the attacker.

The incident took place along a footpath on heathland between St Brelades Avenue and Scott Road in Wallisdown, Poole, at around 3.30pm on Thursday March 5.

The young victim was approached by a man, who grabbed hold of her and threatened her with a knife, but she managed to escape. 

She was uninjured in the incident.

The Daily Echo understands police have spoken to pupils at a school about the incident. We have made the decision not to name the school.

The heathland area is popular with dog walkers who said they have not been made aware of the incident by police.

John Lloyd, who lives nearby, said: “I come here every day with my dog but I haven’t seen any police activity or heard anyone talking about it.

“There are a lot of alleyways in the area that connect with the heathland.”

Trevor Adamson said: “I’m not particularly surprised because there has been a general decrease in the standards of behaviour in this area.”   

The offender is described as in his early 20s, of average build, and unshaven. He had very short cropped brown hair and was wearing black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.

Detective Constable Tim Davis, of Bournemouth CID, said: “This was obviously a very frightening ordeal for the girl and I am keen on speaking to any potential witnesses who may have seen the incident or a suspicious man running away in the area at the time. Anyone with information can speak to me, in confidence, on 101.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 5:259. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.