An unknown man is alleged to have approached a 14-year-old girl in the wooded area of Oliver’s Park, Colehill, Wimborne, at around 5.30pm on either Tuesday 9 November or Wednesday 10 November, with the police being notified on Sunday 14 November.

It is reported that the man spoke to the victim for several minutes before he began touching her hair and body. The victim pushed him away and walked home.

The man is described as white, aged in his mid-20s, between five feet nine inches and six feet tall, with mousy brown stubble and was wearing an oversized black hooded top with the hood up, black tracksuit bottoms and worn white Nike trainers.

Police Constable Matt Cutler, of East Dorset police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises this man from the description given, or knows who he is, to please contact Dorset Police.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have captured this man on dashcam or home CCTV systems between the relevant times.

“Finally, we understand this incident will be of concern to the local community and we would like to reassure them that officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will continue their patrols in the local area.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online/, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210183752. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.