Police are searching for a man who broke into a female toilet cubicle and sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl in Cooma.
The incident occurred in the toilets of a service station/fast food outlet on Sharp Street, the main thoroughfare.
The girl went to the toilets at 5.40pm on Monday, when an attacker believed to be aged between 20 and 30 forced his way into the cubicle.
The attacker then sexually assaulted her before the girl's screams caused him to flee. Police said they believed the girl did not know the attacker. A statement issued yesterday urged parents and carers to reinforce personal safety messages with children in the wake of the attack. The culprit was described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm to 180cm tall and wearing dark clothes and white running shoes.
He was also believed to be unshaven, with a thin build and short brown hair.
Anyone with any information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. You can remain anonymous.