LATEST NEWS: WATCH: Schoolgirl attack suspect still on the loose as police release CCTV images

A TEENAGE girl was dragged to the ground by an elderly man on a bike before she escaped screaming in a horrifying ordeal.

West Yorkshire Police have launched a major investigation following the alleged attack, which is reported to have happened shortly before 5pm yesterday.

The victim - a 13-year-old girl - was walking through Primrose Valley Park, in the Halton area of Leeds.

She was just a short distance from the exit off the junction of Lucy Avenue and Selby Road, walking down the hill, when a man, described as being in his sixties, approached her from behind on a red bike.

The man dragged the young girl to the ground, but she eventually managed to break free.

She began screaming and ran off.

The suspect was described as being white and was wearing glasses.

He had been seen earlier in the vicinity of the Wykebeck Way path between Foundry Lane and Killingbeck Drive.

Detectives are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the man and are appealing for anyone who saw him in the area, or who has any information that could assist the investigation.

Detective Inspector Emma Wight, of Leeds District Safeguarding Unit, said: “This is obviously a very concerning incident involving a child victim in a public park and we are treating it very seriously.

“We are continuing to support the victim and her family while we carry out extensive enquiries to identify the suspect.

“Scenes are in place in the park to undergo forensic examination and specialist searches, and we are carrying out enquiries along the route the victim took and trawling CCTV throughout that area.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who has seen him at any point in the vicinity of Fearnville Playing Fields, Wykebeck Valley Park, and Primrose Valley Park, particularly anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage.

"He would have been fairly distinctive from the description of a man in his sixties with glasses, riding a red bike.

“We recognise that an incident of this nature will cause understandable concern in the community, and we are working closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who are increasing their presence in the area to reassure people.”

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation should contact Leeds District Safeguarding Unit on 101, or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote crime reference number: 13220060402. 

Information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.