A MAN out walking a dog in a busy park could hold vital information about a sexual assault on a 17-year-old student.

The possible witness was in Central Park, Dartford, while the victim was subjected to a 15-minute ordeal by a man she didn’t know.

The student was sitting on a bench in the park, close to the Market Street entrance, when she was approached by an Asian-looking man, aged about 20.

He befriended the victim, but when he asked for her number, she got up and walked out of the park. She was followed into Lowfield Street by the man before seeking refuge in a job centre.

The man then followed the victim as she left the job centre, crossed the road and turned down the alleyway which leads to the park. He caught up with her and put his arm around her as they walked through the park gates.

The victim was then subjected to a sexual assault in the park, close to a fence that separates the park from the football pitches. While this was happening, the victim was aware of a man walking his dog as well as other people being in the park.

PC Garry Cook, who is investigating the incident, said: “The girl was upset but to passers by it may just have looked as if they were a young couple who may have had a row.

"The victim did not shout or scream for help because she was so scared. It is entirely possible people close by just did not realise what was happening.”

The assault happened at between 4pm and 5pm on Wednesday, June 20.

The attacker was about 5ft 5in tall, slim and clean shaven. He was wearing a light brown, round-necked short sleeved top with writing on the front, denim jeans and black shoes.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the park at that time and thinks they may have seen the victim and her attacker.

Anyone who may have information is asked to telephone PC Cook at Gravesend Police Station on 01474 565083 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.