A man chased a girl on her way to way to school then lifted up her skirt and took a photograph.
The shocking events took place between 8.20am and 8.40am last Friday (7 June) when the 11-year-old girl was walking to school along Allhallowsgate and Priest Lane in Ripon.
Now police have issued a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “The man was seen by nearby workmen to start walking quickly behind the girl, pull up her skirt and take a photograph on his phone.
“This happened near the traffic lights at the bottom of Allhallowsgate.
“He was challenged by the workmen and then ran off down Stonebridgegate towards Aldi and is then believed to have headed in the direction of Princess Close.”
They are appealing for the man in the picture to come forward and to members of the public to get in touch if they recognise him.
Officers believe the man will have important information that will assist the investigation.
The man is described as
- white
- around 5ft 8 to 9in tall
- of slim build
- with a pointy nose
- and short hair.
He was wearing a dirty, white hooded top, grey jogging bottoms, odd socks, and light-coloured trainers/plimsoles. He is believed to be in his late teens to early 20s.
The spokesperson added: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw a man matching the suspect’s description including pedestrians, and any motorists who were passing and may have dashcam footage of the suspect or the incident, to get in touch.
“We’re also appealing to residents in the areas mentioned who have doorbell cameras that may have captured the suspect on video to contact us.”
If you can help police, you can contact them on the numbers below.
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101, and ask for the Force Control Room
- Email Phil Evans here
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
- Quote reference number 12240100245
