Search for witnesses after schoolgirl 'punched in the face' by man in Hartlepool assault

The force released details of the incident – which happened in the town on Saturday, September 26 – on its social media channels on Thursday, October 8.

The 12-year-old victim was assaulted by a man, described as wearing all dark clothing, between the Cosmopolitan pub on Durham Street and St Hilds Church in the Headland at 5.30pm that day.

A police statement said: “The victim (who was with a female friend) was punched in the face by a male who was wearing all dark clothing.

"The victim suffered bruising and swelling to her face.”

Witnesses to the incident, or anyone with information about the man involved, are being sought.

The force can be contacted on 101, quoting reference 158050.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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