Police seek witnesses to assault 

Detectives are trying to trace two girls who they believed may have witnessed an assault on an 11 year old boy.

It is believed the girls possibly helped the boy to get away from the offender at the time. 

The offence took place in Stevenage on Monday, May 22, between 320pm and 4pm, in the underpass under the A602 Broadhall Way, which is located between Shephall Green and Wood Drive.  

As the boy was approaching the underpass, he was prevented from going any further by an unknown man, who stood in front of him.  

The man then allegedly hugged the boy preventing him from moving away. The boy eventually managed to free himself and walk on past. 

The man is described as white, of skinny build, and was wearing a grey hoody with colourful writing on the front and grey jogging bottoms.  

Investigating officer Detective Constable Rondell Quinlan said: "We appreciate some time has passed since the incident, but we have been progressing a number of lines of inquiry.  

"We think that two girls were possibly in the area at the time and may have been instrumental in helping the boy being get away from the offender. If this was you, or you think you know who the two girls are, please get in contact as soon as possible." 

Call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/41693/23.