YOUNGSTERS out playing in Quarry Bank this weekend could hold information that proves vital to an investigation into a serious sexual assault.

Police were called late on Saturday night after a 15-year-old girl returned home and reported that she had been assaulted during a night out, in an area known as Hammer Park, off Quarry Bank High Street and Cradley Forge.

The girl had been out with a group of other teenager in the area around Quarry Bank High Street, Lyde Green and Colley Lane, between 7pm and 9pm and officers are now keen to speak to people who may have been in the area and have information to assist with enquiries.

DC Simon Andrews, from the Dudley Child Protection Team, said: “We know that this group of youngsters passed by, and on occasion interacted with a few people in and around Quarry Bank and Cradley on Saturday night.

“We need to trace those people as they might be able to help us piece together information about the events of that night.

“In particular we are keen to hear from a man who was walking a rottweiler dog near to the primary school on Quarry Bank High Street at 7.30pm, two children who were aged around seven or eight years old, in Cradley Forge and a man who was walking past shops on Colley Lane at around 8.30pm.

“We need these people to contact us as soon as possible to help us with this investigation.”

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on Saturday night in connection with the incident and he was later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The teenage girl is being supported by specially trained officers.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.