POLICE are hunting a pervert who walked into a girls' changing room at a top independent school and indecently assaulted a young pupil.
The girl was threatened with violence when the man approached her at Felsted Preparatory School, which educates students up to 13-years-old, shortly before 11am last Tuesday morning.
She managed to escape his advances and alerted a teacher, but the man escaped into the grounds of the private school, which charges up to £26,000-a-year.
Head teacher Jenny Burrett said that the girl and her family were currently receiving support from the school.
"I can confirm that an incident did take place at the school which is currently being investigated by the police," she said.
"Since the incident occurred, our focus has understandably been on the welfare of the individual involved and providing support to her and her family," she added.
Security at the 449-year-old school has since been tightened and parents at both the junior and senior school, which teaches children up to A-level, have been kept abreast of current developments.
Ms Burrett said: "In response to advice from the police, we have communicated with the pupils, parents and staff of Felsted Preparatory School and Felsted School with regard to the importance of personal security and have re-emphasised the school's security policies and procedures.
"We obviously have increased vigilance around the site and will continue to keep parents updated with the progress of the police investigation."
Subsequently, detectives have released an e-fit image of the man they would like to question in response to the assault.
Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Simon Werrett said: "This man's description is very detailed and distinctive in several ways. I am sure someone will recognise him from this e-fit.
"If you know this man then please contact my detectives. Also, if you were in the area of the school between 10.30 and 11.30am on Tuesday morning and saw a man matching the physical or clothing description given, please contact us."
The man is described as white, with crooked teeth, aged 30, about 5ft 10ins tall, with short, gelled-up brown hair.
At the time, he was wearing jeans, a blue hoodie with white tassels, and trainers.
Anyone with information in connection with this assault is urged to contact detectives at Shrub End on 101 or e-mail SOIT@essex.pnn.police.uk
