Bracknell

Bracknell Police are appealing for the public’s help as part of an on-going investigation following an incident in Bracknell.

At 10.50pm on Monday (20/8), a 16-year-old girl was reported missing by her mother after failing to meet her at an agreed time near the John Nike Leisure Centre, Bracknell. A search was launched and the girl was found by police at about 12.15am yesterday (21/8) in a field near the Leisure Centre off the London Road (B3408).

The girl was not injured, but was taken to hospital as a precaution and later discharged.

Inquiries are continuing to establish exactly what happened between the time when the girl was last seen (approximately 9.30pm) and the time she was found.

The girl told police that she had been assaulted by a black man. No further descriptions are available.

As part of their investigation, police arrested a man on suspicion of assault. He has since been released without charge in relation to the investigation.

A/Ch Insp Simon Bowden, commander of Bracknell police area, said: “There is no information to suggest that the girl was sexually assaulted, and I would like to reassure the public that a thorough investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances.”

Sgt Steve Witts, officer involved in the investigation, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who has any information in relation to this incident to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a teenage girl, 5ft 7ins, slim build, dark brown hair below the shoulders, wearing a cream jacket and black trousers, in the vicinity of the leisure centre and the field off the London Road. I would also like to hear from witnesses who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area between 9.30pm on Monday and 12.15am yesterday (21/8).

He added: “Every piece of information is crucial and may assist with our investigation.”

Those with information should contact Det Sgt Witts via the 24 hour police enquiry centre number on 0845 8 505 505. Those who do not wish to speak to police or leave their name should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell