IN WHAT would be every parent’s worst nightmare, a youth has been charged with breaking into a family home with intent to sexually assault a 12-year-old girl as she slept.

The girl escaped the clutches of her alleged attacker, who was restrained by the girl’s father until the police arrived and took the youth into custody.

Northern Beaches Police crime manager Inspector Craig Wonders said a 16-year-old Dee Why youth allegedly broke into a home at Dee Why at 11.30pm on Saturday by removing the flyscreen of a window, which he then opened.

He said the youth entered the bedroom of a sleeping 12-year-old girl, took off his clothes and climbed into the girl’s bed.

Insp Wonders said the girl was woken by the youth allegedly trying to climb on to her.

He said she leapt out of bed, screamed and ran to her parents’ bedroom.

Insp Wonders said the girl’s father restrained the youth until the police arrived and took him into custody.

The Dee Why youth was subsequently charged with aggravated break and enter with intent to commit a sexual assault.

Due to the seriousness of the offence, the youth was refused bail to appear at Bidura Children’s Court.

Insp Wonders said detectives were now investigating any possible links between the youth and other break-ins on the northern beaches in recent months.

Anyone with information about any break-ins or attempted break-ins is urged to call Dee Why police station on 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.