Man Arrested After Girl, 9, Attacked In Sandwell

1 April 2015, 18:31 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man has been arrested after a young girl was attacked whilst walking home in Sandwell.

The nine-year-old was walking home just after 1.30pm when she was grabbed and pushed to the floor on Belmont Road, Bearwood.

The man then pulled her across the road and into an alley while she shouted for help. 

A woman passing by heard the screams and shouted at the man to let her go. He ran off and the woman helped the young girl home and police were called.

Detective Inspector Ronan Tyrer, from Force CID, said: "The young girl was extremely upset by the attack, but fortunately she wasn’t seriously injured.

"She has been very brave and given us a detailed description of the man who attacked her.

"We have done extensive searches of the area and spoken to local residents and as a result of our enquiries we have arrested a 37-year-old local man this afternoon.

"However we would still like to speak to anyone who witnessed the attack to assist with the investigation.

"I want to reassure the community that this is currently being treated as an isolated incident, but members of the public should expect to see an increased police presence as the investigation continues."

Officers are trawling the area for CCTV which may have captured the man and are asking anyone with home CCTV in Belmont Road to get in touch.

The Force CID Violent Crime Team can be contacted on 101.