DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a 15-year-old Hampshire schoolgirl was sexually assaulted yesterday.

The youngster, who was wearing her uniform, was walking along a footpath, which runs alongside Applemore Sports Centre from Cygnus Gardens to Sizer Way, in Hythe at about 1pm.

She was grabbed from behind by a man who forced her to the ground and subjected her to a serious assault.

After he fled the scene the terrified girl made her way to a nearby Tesco store and a member of the public alerted the police.

The attacker is described as white, in his early 20s with dark hair in a skinhead

cut. He wore a red tracksuit top and black baggy trousers.

Anyone who saw the girl, a man matching the description of the offender or the assault

itself should contact Hythe CID on 0845 045 45 45.

Meanwhile an investigation is under way after a 15-year-old girl claimed she was raped during a European exchange visit organised by Isle of Wight Council. The incident has been investigated by German police, who are not pursuing the matter.

It is thought the council investigation, being carried out by a senior officer from outside the youth and community department, will look at all aspects of the council's role in the trip, including whether the youth leaders did all they could to prevent it.

The incident is believed to have taken place at a party. It is also believed that the two girls involved had disobeyed clear instructions that they were not to drink alcohol.

A statement from the Isle of Wight Council said: "The council is aware of a recent investigation by German police into an alleged

incident on a youth exchange trip to Germany.

"The council is also carrying out an internal investigation into the incident."

The results of the investigation will not be made public.