11-year-old girl raped while walking home from school

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An 11-year-old girl says she was raped while walking home from school. The young victim told police she was pushed into bushes and attacked in Crawley, West Sussex.

The attack happened in September, but has only just been reported to police.

The girl was walking along Balcombe Road in Crawley at around 3pm when she was taken by a man onto a footpath between Blackwater Lane and Balcombe Road.

Footpath between Blackwater Lane and Balcombe Road Credit: Google Street View

The girl was then pushed into the bushes and raped.

The suspect is described by the victim as:

  • Aged about 40

  • Ginger and grey hair

  • Gingery face stubble and wearing a black fleece beanie hat

  • Knee length khaki coloured coat

Anyone with information can contact police on email at 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or 101 quoting Operation Dunlop.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.