Police continue to investigate an incident that occurred near Iona Street in Invercargill last week.

Earlier this week Police appealed for information from the public and are now in a position to release further details.

Between 8 and 8:30am on Monday 4 February, a 12-year-old girl was walking in the Iona Street area when she was approached by an unknown man.

Detective Sergeant Marc McCloy says the man assaulted the girl before fleeing the area.

“The young girl is understandably traumatised and we are working hard to support her and her family during this very difficult time,” he says.

“This is a disturbing incident and I want to assure the community we are doing everything we can and we have a team of detectives working on this case.

“I know the public will share our concern about this incident and I want to reassure the community that we have increased patrols in the area and are taking this very seriously.

“We are urging anyone who may have information or may have been in this area over the last few weeks to get in touch if they haven’t already.”

Police are looking for sightings of a man matching the following description:

- He was wearing black shoes, dark or black jeans and a black hoodie wearing the hood up
- Dark wraparound sunglasses

The man appears to be a smoker and reportedly had been in the area on previous occasions.

Anyone who has information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Mark McCloy on 03 217 1655

Anonymous information can also be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

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