SCHOOLS in Watford were put on red alert this week after two 11-year-old girls were indecently assaulted while walking a dog in a park.

Every school within a five-mile radius of the attack near Woodmere Avenue was alerted to the incident by the education authority.

Parents were advised to escort young children to and from school until the man responsible is caught.

The attack took place on Friday between 4pm and 4.30pm ,as the girls walked along a track that runs parallel to the rear gardens of houses in Woodmere Avenue.

As they passed a man sitting on a bench, he struck up a conversation with them and, after leading them to some scrubland, he forced them both to the ground and assaulted them. He then ran off towards the A41.

Detective sergeant Dave Watkinson, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This was a very serious assault on two young schoolgirls which has left them and their families extremely traumatised.

'We are anxious to speak to anyone who saw a man fitting the description in that area on Friday afternoon.

'Plenty of people know the track and use it, particularly youngsters, so I am appealing to anyone who might have seen something or anyone who has information on who the attacker might be, to contact the incident room in confidence as soon as possible.'

The area in which the attack took place, Colne Valley Linear Park, is more commonly known as The Mundens. The girls had walked from the recreation ground just off Radlett Road towards Bushey Mill Lane and on to the track.

The suspect is white, aged between 25 and 40, 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall, of medium build with brown hair and a couple of days' stubble growth on his chin.

He wore dark jeans, a grey top and light-coloured footwear.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Watford by telephoning 01923 472035.