DETECTIVES in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses after a 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in the town.

Police have released an e-fit of the offender following the attack in the hope it may help anyone with information to come forward.

The incident in which the girl from Bournemouth was assaulted by a man, took place in the Lower Gardens around 6.45pm on Wednesday September 21.

The offender is described as having dark or tanned skin, is of average build, between 5ft 6/7in tall and between 30-40years old.

He has dark short hair and police say he speaks with a foreign accent.

Detective Constable Steve Griffin from Bournemouth CID said: “I am now in the position to release an e-fit of the offender. The incident happened near the ice-cream kiosk, close to the crazy golf.

“I understand that the victim was approached by a man on a bicycle and asked to take a picture with his mobile phone.

“He then inappropriately touched the victim. The girl was able to quickly leave the scene and reunited with her friends.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnesses this incident to contact me urgently.

“I also need to hear from anyone who recognises the man.”

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 21:431.