This from the police in their own words.

Police at Southampton today issued an e-fit of a man they need to identify in connection with a serious sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl.

The event left the girl so upset that she did not disclose what had happened for several weeks.

It is believed that at about 4.30pm on a weekday in mid-April (possibly April 17), the girl was walking in Sandringham Road, Bitterne. She became aware of a man following her, but she did not hear him approach because she was wearing headphones.

The man grabbed her, pushed her to the pavement and carried out a serious sexual assault.

The man is described as about 30-40 and of mixed race. He is between 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall and lanky with muscled arms. His face is rounded with bushy eyebrows, slightly slanted eyes, a chunky straight mouth and light facial stubble.

He wore a black beanie hat, dark grey or black tracksuit bottoms, a dark or black hooded jumper and black trainers.

Anyone who recognises the man in the e-fit is asked to contact the Area Investigation Team at Southampton on 101. {!jomcomment}