A COUNCILLOR is urging any residents who know anything about an incident involving the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl to come forward.

Cllr Pat Jones, who represents Ulverston, said she was "saddened and left speechless" after hearing of a sexual assault on a young girl in Ulverston.

The incident took place in Lund Terrace, Ulverston, at about 4.25pm on December 3.

The attacker was described as late twenties to early thirties, white, slim build, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins tall, with a short, dark- brown hair and a full beard. He was wearing a black Nike hoodie with the hood up. The logo was in the middle of the jumper.

Cllr Jones said: “This really isn’t something that you would think would happen in Ulverston, in such a loving little town.

“It truly saddens me to hear about this. The shock has left me speechless and I really hope the girl is okay.

“Sometimes these things happen and it can really impact on a person for many years so I just hope she recovers and continues with her life.

“Ulverston is a friendly place and when I walk about town the young people are always keen to speak to me.

“Even when I was ill one young person asked how I was and it brought me to tears.

“The young people of this town are all so pleasant and do not deserve to be treated like this.

“I would urge anyone who knows anything about this event to come forward to help the police in their investigations and for everyone else to be vigilant this Christmas for any signs of danger.”

The police are currently investigating this incident and have increased their presence in the area whilst enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact police quoting log number 140 of the 6th December. Email: 101@cumbria.police.uk. Call: 101 or 999 in an emergency.