Police are appealing for witnesses following a suspicious incident in the Dedridge area of Livingston which took place around 4.15 p.m. on Friday at a play park near to Ambrose Rise.
A 9-year-old girl was playing in the area when a man approached and engaged the child in conversation before attempting to put his hands on her.
He then made off towards St Ninian’s School.
The girl was unharmed and reported the matter to her parents, who contacted police.
Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their inquiries to come forward.
The suspect is described as being of Indian/Pakistani or Bangladeshi appearance, 18-20-years-old, around 5ft 10ins tall with black hair, brown eyes and a clean-shaven complexion. He was wearing a light-grey hooded top with navy blue lining on the hood, grey skinny jeans, dirty white-coloured trainers and spoke with a Scottish accent.
Detective Sergeant Graham Garvie from Livingston CID said: “At this time we are trying to establish exactly what took place during this exchange and would ask anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious to contact police immediately.
“The young girl has given us a good description of the male we are looking to trace and anyone who recognises him should also get in touch.”
As part of the ongoing investigation local officers from the Community Action Team will be out on high-visibility patrol to speak with residents in the area, gather information and offer local reassurance to the community.
Inspector Darren Cook from Livingston Police Station said: “Our inquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what has taken place during the exchange between the girl and the suspect and we will have officers out on patrol in the area to engage with the local community.
“This appears to have been an isolated incident, but we recognise the impact it can have on the public and so we will be providing a visible presence, should anyone wish to come forward and speak to us face to face.
“Alternatively, people can contact 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers if they have any information relevant to this investigation.
Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 101.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
