A COUNCILLOR and resident say they have been "shocked" after a teenage girl was assaulted in a "safe" area of the city.

Police are continuing to investigate the assault but say there is no update since an appeal for the public's help was first released on Tuesday.

It’s believed the assault happened at some time between 7.25am and 8.05am on Monday morning, in a footpath by the side of Laughern Brook that runs between Solitaire Avenue and Oldbury Road.

City and county councillor for St John's, Richard Udall, said: "This is normally quite a safe area, so much so the footpath is well used.

"So it is worrying this has happened, and why people who live nearby will be shocked, and will be upset and angry.

"I'm going to hope this an isolated incident - it is incredibly unusual, and we all want the culprit caught as soon as possible.

READ MORE: Council admits lack of coronavirus testing is making cases look lower than they are

READ MORE: Map shows where coronavirus cases have gone up in Worcester

"As it is rare there is no need for CCTV in that area - but I would welcome improved lighting in that area."

Shar Riley wrote on Facebook: "I’ve lived all my life right next to this field and I’m so shocked to hear something like this has happened around this area.

"Hope the man gets caught."

The suspect is described as a man aged in his mid-40s to 50s, between 5ft 11ins and 6ft tall with short black, greying, hair.

He was wearing a black top, faded dark blue jeans with holes in the trouser leg and brown walking boots at the time of the attack and is thought to have been driving a grey or white vehicle with sliding doors.

Detective Inspector Ed Slough said: “We are working to establish the full details of what happened and are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area that may have seen this man.

"The incident happened at a fairly busy time with people travelling to work – so please think back as to whether you may have information that could help us.

“The girl is understandably very shaken but thankfully her injuries did not require hospital treatment. We are ensuring she has all the support she needs.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting 00109i of September 14.