A TEENAGE girl has been left traumatised after being subjected to a sexual assault as she walked across a recreation ground.

The 15-year-old was assaulted an area, known locally as ‘the rec’ between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, at 7pm on Wednesday, February 6.

As she walked, she passed a man crouching down who then came up behind her and dragged her to the ground where he sexually assaulted her.

He was disturbed by a female shouting “Ellie”, and the suspect ran off.

Police are appealing for a group of girls, who were also in the park and may have witnessed the man running away, to come forward with any information they may have.

The man is described as white, 40-50 years old, 5ft 10ins – 6ft tall, of stocky build with broad shoulders.

Detective Constable Dave Smith, of Redcar and Cleveland CID, said: “The girl has been left traumatised by this attack and we would appeal for anyone with information on this incident to contact us on 101.”