Young boy ‘sexually assaulted in his bedroom by intruder’

Man fled the scene after child told him he would phone police, detectives say

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to after a young boy reported he was sexually assaulted by an intruder at a home on The Greenway in Ickenham, Hillingdon, Greater London, shortly after midnight Saturday, 23 November 2019. (Metropolitan Police)

Police are hunting for a man after a young boy reported that he was sexually assaulted in his own bedroom by an intruder.

The attack reportedly took place not long after midnight on Saturday at a home on The Greenway in Ickenham, Greater London.

Police say they were called following a report that a man had got inside the property before assaulting the boy. However, there were no signs of forced entry.

The man fled the scene after the child told him he would phone the police.

The child, whose age has not been released to protect his identity, is being supported by specially-trained officers.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detectives are also appealing for anyone who saw someone matching the man’s description running away from the area around the time of the attack to get in touch.

The suspect is described as white, of slim build with short hair and a beard. He was wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt.

Detective Constable Claire Field, from the Metropolitan Police’s west area command unit safeguarding team, said: “This matter has clearly caused a great deal of anguish to the boy’s family.

“Police are very concerned and we are carrying out an extensive and well-resourced investigation.

“We are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man who was seen running from the area shortly after the assault. It is vital that we speak to him to establish why he was in the vicinity.

“Whilst incidents such as this are thankfully very rare, I would encourage people to ensure that their homes are kept secure at all times and to report anyone acting suspiciously.”

Detective Chief Inspector Natalie Norris added: “We fully recognise how concerned our community will be after an incident like this.

“For this reason we have patrols in the area and we are working with partners and keeping them informed. Together we are doing all we can to support the family and all those affected.

“This is a horrible incident and thankfully rare, but my officers are working incredibly hard to find the person responsible.”

There have been no arrests and police inquiries continue.

Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image, or who was in the area at the time, is asked to call police by calling 101 or via Twitter @MetCC quoting CAD 145/23NOV.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.