A 10-year-old schoolgirl was injured as she was robbed and assaulted in Colchester.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the incident in Hakewill Way at around 3.30pm on Thursday.
The girl was approached from behind by a man who attempted to take her rucksack from her back.
During the struggle, the man assaulted the 10-year-old victim, causing bruising to her face.
The suspect then ran off into the park with the bag.
He is described as white, around 18 years old, around 5ft 11ins tall, with short blonde hair and wearing a checked shirt with tracksuit bottoms. He had a slight Scottish accent.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dc Hannah Richardson at Colchester CID on 101 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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