A MAN sexually assaulted a child in Crewe after telling her he needed help finding his lost dog.

Two young girls were outside an address in Cranbourne Road at around 8pm or 8.15pm, when they were approached by the offender.

He told the girls he had lost his dog and needed help finding it.

A 9-year-old girl went with the man to help him look for his dog.

The man hugged the girl and touched her inappropriately. The girl protested and ran to her home address to inform her family.

The man is described as white, possibly in his 30s with brown eyes and a slim build. He has an English accent and called himself Dave.

DS Jim Boulton said: "We have had no more incidents of this nature but we would urge parents to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police immediately.

“The little girl did the correct thing by telling her parents straight away but we would urge parents to remind their children not to talk to strangers or go off with them."

Anyone with information should contact DC Mike Rushton on 101, quoting incident number 890 of November 4 2012.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.