An urgent hunt has been launched after a young girl was seriously sexually assaulted in a wooded area near a playground in Bath.

The attack of the 11-year-old child took place yesterday in a wooded area near the Clarks Way playground, in the Odd Down area, at about 5pm.

The alleged attacker is believed to be white with a distinctive neck tattoo and aged between 30 and 40. He was also wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and a cap at the time.

Police are calling on witnesses to come forward to share any information relating to the attack. 

Officers are also going through CCTV to try to identify the suspect, while performing house-to-house inspections in the nearby area. 

The victim and her family are being supported by specially trained officers while the rape and serious sexual offences team Operation Bluestone are working with detectives to uncover the offender.

Detective Inspector Hannah Marsh of Avon and Somerset Police said: 'This is an incredibly serious incident and significant resources are in place to support our investigation and we are prioritising efforts to identify the offender.

'I would urge anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident, or anyone who matches the description provided, to contact us.

'Support will be in place for the victim for as long as it is needed, and we will keep her and her family updated as our investigation progresses.

'Neighbourhood officers are carrying out extra patrols in the area today and these will continue over the coming days.'

Those with information can call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5226174542, or complete an online appeals form.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.