A THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD girl was sexually assaulted in Bannockburn at the weekend.

Police in Forth Valley are appealing for information following the serious sexual assault and the incident happened in Ladywell Park between 6.30pm and 7pm on Saturday, February 10.

They say the girl was walking into the park when she was attacked from behind, dragged a short distance into a wooded area and assaulted.

Officers are now keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity at this time on Saturday evening or who may have information that can assist them with their inquiries.

The suspect is described as being male, of skinny build and around 5ft 4 inches tall.

He was wearing black clothing, gloves and a hooded top with the hood up and old-looking training shoes.

He had the bottom of his face covered. He was well-spoken.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Boyd of Stirling Public Protection Unit said: “This has been an absolutely terrifying ordeal for the victim and we are continuing to provide her with all the necessary support and assistance she requires while we progress this investigation.

“I am extremely eager to speak to anyone who has information that can assist us in tracing this suspect.

“This is an area that is popular with groups of young people and I would urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area of Ladywell Park to please get in touch.”

Officers will also will be conducting high visibility additional patrols in the Bannockburn area.

A dedicated team will be undertaking inquiry into this incident, which will be led by Detective Inspector Stephen Morris.

He said: “This is a shocking incident, however thankfully these are rare. 

“In incidents like this, when they do occur, the full resources of various specialisms within Police Scotland are made available.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 1065 of February 15.

Or they can approach any of the officers in the area.