A young girl was left distressed and afraid to leave her house on her own following a horrific assault in Carshalton.

The 12-year-old had been jogging through the grounds of All Saints Church in Carshalton High Street when a man approached her at about 5pm on October 24, 2016.

She was then sexually assaulted.

The girl managed to escape uninjured and ran home. Soon after the police were called.

The man is described as white, 5ft 10ins, of stocky build and had short blonde or ginger hair.

He was wearing a navy hooded top, dark jeans and was carrying what appeared to be a jacket.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a girl aged under 13 on December 1, 2016. He was released on bail with no further action taken against him.

Detective sergeant Carly Black, from the Metropolitan Police’s sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse command, said: “This horrific assault has left a young girl distressed and afraid to leave the house on her own to do the things she enjoys.

“We are determined to catch the person responsible for this crime and we’d appeal for any witnesses, or anyone who recognises the man pictured in the CCTV still to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“We’d like to reassure the community that this is being treated as an isolated incident. Attacks of this nature are extremely rare in Carshalton. However, reassurance patrols are taking place in the area to help the community feel as safe as possible.

“Anyone who has any concerns, or sees something suspicious should contact the police.”

If you have any information call police 020 8721 4106, or 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.