A manhunt is underway after a young girl was sexually assaulted by an intruder who broke into her family home in broad daylight.
West Mercia Police were called to the property on Willowfields in Woodside, Telford, following the attack on Tuesday afternoon. Officers have launched an urgent investigation to trace the suspect, who fled the scene after apparently believing someone else was in the house.
The incident occurred at approximately 3pm when the man gained entry to the address. He touched the girl above her clothing before making his escape.
Detectives are now hunting a white male suspect aged between 5ft 10in and 6ft 2in in height. At the time of the attack, he was wearing blue jeans, a black puffa jacket and fingerless gloves.
Detective Inspector Corry Horobin confirmed the force has deployed additional patrols in the area as the investigation progresses. Officers are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry as they work to identify the perpetrator.
“Our officers are working hard to identify the man involved, and we are following a number of lines of enquiry,” DI Horobin said. “We would urge people to remain vigilant and report anything that feels out of place or suspicious.”
The senior detective acknowledged the incident would raise alarm amongst local residents, but stressed such attacks remain unusual. “We understand that reports like this can cause concern in the community, but I want to reassure residents that incidents of this nature are rare, and we have increased patrols in the area while our investigation continues,” he stated.
According to police, the young victim is now safe and receiving specialist support alongside her family following the ordeal.
Investigators have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses who may have been in the Willowfields area around the time of the attack. DI Horobin emphasised that even seemingly insignificant details could prove vital to the investigation.
“If you were in the Willowfields area around 3pm on Tuesday or saw a man matching the description, please get in touch. Even the smallest piece of information could help us,” he added.
Members of the public with any information have been asked to contact DC Daniel Iamandei by email at daniel.iamandei@westmercia.police.uk or telephone 01952 214616, citing incident number 312i of 24 March, 2026.
The force has urged residents to report any suspicious activity as the search for the suspect continues.
