Man arrested after allegedly groping young girl

A 34-year-old Gowrie man will face the ACT Magistrates Court later this month after allegedly indecently assaulting a 10-year-old girl on a bike path in Gowrie yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, April 30).

The girl had been on her way home from school around 3.05pm when a man allegedly grabbed her from behind and indecently assaulted her.

A group of people nearby heard the girl cry out, came to her aid, and several youths from that group then followed the alleged offender up Castleton Crescent and toward the Gowrie shops.

After the victim was escorted home, ACT Policing General Duties patrol members attended and began investigations, conducting foot patrols in the area, and examining CCTV vision from nearby businesses in an effort to identify the alleged offender.

A suspect was identified and around 6.15pm police attended a Gowrie address, where a man was taken into custody.

He was taken to the ACT Watch House and charged with an Act of Indecency on a person under 16 years. He was released under strict Watch House bail conditions and will appear in court on May 16.

Police believe that there may have been more people that witnessed the incident or may have seen the male, who was wearing a beige jumper and dark tracksuit pants, in the Gowrie shops area between 2pm and 4pm.

Anyone who may have information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.