POLICE are keen to trace this person – who they believe might be a key witness in an investigation into the sexual assault of a teenage girl in Chard.

A girl, in her mid-teens, was walking on a footpath near Zembard Lane when she was approached by the offender, police said.

“A man, aged in his 50s, was arrested on the day of the offence,” an Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said. “He has since been released on conditional police bail while the investigation continues.

“Immediately after the incident the victim approached another member of the public (the person pictured) who helped her to safety.

“Officers have been unable to identify this man and are now releasing his image. They believe he could have important information that could help progress the investigation.”

The man is described as having short white hair and was wearing a dark coloured hoodie, blue jeans and brown boots at the time.

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The spokesperson said targeted patrols had been carried out by uniformed officers since the incident, and reassured the public they “are not aware of any other incidents of this nature occurring in the area”.

Sergeant Karen Pattison added: “This was a shocking incident and one which was terrifying for the victim. We have made sure that appropriate support is in place, and we continue to keep her regularly updated with the progress of the investigation.

“Thankfully the person who we’re trying to identify helped make sure she was safe and we’re very grateful for their help on that day.

“Unfortunately, we’ve been unable to locate them, however we believe they could hold vital information, and we’d encourage anyone who knows who they are to get in touch.”

Anyone who recognises the person pictured, or has any other information about the incident, should contact police on 101 and give the reference number 5225083982.