A SCHOOLGIRL was assaulted in broad daylight by a “scruffy” man sparking a police investigation.

The 11-year-old was walking in Love Lane at around 3.30pm yesterday when she was approached from behind by a man in his 40s.

She was close to two schools, Trinity and Shaw-Cum-Donnington Primary, when the assault took place.

Police have described the man as “scruffy” looking and said the ordeal was a frightening experience for the young girl.

Extra patrols were sent into the area throughout the day to reassure residents.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Snezhanna Lennon of Force CID based at Newbury Police Station, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at this time and witnessed this incident or saw anything suspicious between 3 and 4pm today to contact police on 101 quoting URN 916 (22/4) “Extra patrols from the neighbourhood policing team are in the area. I would like to reassure the community that we are conducting a thorough investigation to find out what happened.”