A 12-year-old girl has been dragged into a woodland area at a play park and raped, police have said.

Thames Valley Police said she had been on her own when a man pulled her to the woodland area, attacked her, and then fled.

The assault was reported to police on Saturday but the attack happened around March 23 at about 3pm at the end of the play area in Harrowden, Bradville, in Milton Keynes.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack to come forward and have issued descriptions of both the victim and her attacker.

The girl is described as white, around 5ft, of slim build, with long shoulder length mid-brown hair. She was wearing glasses.

Police said the offender is described as a white man, aged around 45 and a skinny build. He had very short grey/black hair.

The man spoke with a Scottish accent and was wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans and black Dr Martens boots.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Justin Fletcher said: “We would urge anyone who saw the victim or a man answering this description in the area around that time to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“We take all allegations of a sexual nature very seriously and understand how difficult it can be for victims to come forward.

“While this was a very traumatic incident for the victim, it is also very rare.

“We would like to reassure the community that we are investigating the matter fully and patrols will be in the area to provide extra reassurance.”

Read more: Sky News