In December 2020, detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad launched an investigation after receiving reports that a young girl, aged 11 at the time, had been sexually assaulted by an unknown man in the bushes of a Nelson Bay beach reserve.

Investigators were told the girl was at Dutchmans Beach Reserve when she was approached by an unknown man before allegedly being taken to nearby bushes and sexually assaulted.

The incident is believed to have occurred between 11am to late afternoon on Sunday, January 27 in 2019.

Days before Christmas last year and during Nelson Bay's peak summer tourism period, detectives appealed to the public for information including any photographs, video recordings or dashcam footage taken at Dutchies Beach at the time of the alleged assault.

On Friday, March 19 the state crime command investigators renewed their appeal for information and released a COMFIT image of a man who may be able to assist with ongoing inquiries into the assault.

The man depicted in the COMFIT image is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his 60s or 70s, with an olive complexion, grey hair and a moustache.

He is believed to have been wearing a black t-shirt at the time of the alleged assault.

Anyone who has information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: