This is the face of a man who subjected a 15-year-old schoolgirl to a serious sexual assault as she walked along a footpath at Hythe.

Police have issued a CD-fit of the man, who pounced as his victim strolled along a grassy track near Applemore Recreation Centre.

The girl, who was wearing school uniform, was forced to the ground and sexually assaulted.

Police carried out a major search involving a spotter plane and dog patrols. They also studied closed-circuit television footage in the hope the attacker had been caught on camera.

A police spokesman said the incident took place on a path that ran from Cygnus Gardens to Sizer Way.

He said: "The victim was walking along the path about 1pm last Thursday when a man grabbed her from behind, forced her to the ground and subjected her to a serious sexual assault. Minutes later a member of the public saw the girl in a distressed state and, after being told what had happened, called the police.

"The people who looked after the victim were very caring and ensured that she was kept safe until we arrived.

"Thankfully, attacks of this nature are generally very rare in this area and we would ask people not to panic."

The girl's assailant is described as white, in his early twenties, with dark hair in a skinhead cut. He was wearing glasses, black baggy trousers and a red tracksuit top with white stripes down the sleeves.

Information to Hythe CID on 0845 045 4545.