A TEENAGE girl was sexually assaulted on a footpath in Ringwood this week.

Police are searching for a good Samaritan who intervened after the girl, 17, was touched over her clothing on a path between Jubilee Close and Winston Way sometime between 9pm and 9.30pm on Thursday.

The victim was walking along the footpath when she was approached by a man she didn't know. He sexually assaulted her, and a member of the public intervened, pushing him away.

The girl ran home before later reporting the incident to Hampshire police.

Detective Constable James Pieri said: “An investigation is under way and we’re following a number of lines of enquiry.

“We would particularly like to hear from the person who intervened during this incident.

“They may hold vital information about what happened and we would like to speak to them as a matter of urgency. If this is you, please call us.

"Officers will continue to make enquiries in the area – please speak to them if you have any concerns or information.”

Anyone with information on what happened should call police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44190335624.