EDMONTON- The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is investigating after an 11-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in north Edmonton Wednesday afternoon.

Officers say the girl was riding her bike in an alley in the Rosslyn neighbourhood around 12:30 p.m. when she was allegedly stopped by an adult male she did not know.

“The suspect grabbed the bicycle handles, causing her to stop her bike,” said EPS Detective Mark Bourgeois.

When the girl tried to ride away, she was allegedly sexually assaulted by the man, EPS said. Officers say the man fled the scene when the girl called for help. The 11-year-old then returned home to tell her family what had happened.

“This child is very brave, did all the right things, told her parents right away and the parents reported to the police,” Bourgeois said. “We’re providing the public with this warning, just to have parents be conscience of where their children are.”

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Police are now asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. He is described as a caucasian man in his 40s, tall with a slim build, has a clean-shaven round face, with a deep voice and short black hair. Officers say he may have been wearing a dark jacket and running shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.