Girl, 15, sexually assaulted at Cable Beach

Police have launched a manhunt after a 15-year-old girl was dragged into bushes and sexually assaulted in sand dunes behind Cable Beach.

Broome Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Bradshaw said the girl managed to run home and alert her parents.

The teenager left her home nearby about 5am today and noticed her attacker sitting on a bench with a bicycle nearby as she approached the beach.

When she returned on the same track towards Gubinge Road she noticed the bicycle was now in some scrub.

Det Sen Sgt Bradshaw said the man grabbed her from behind and dragged her into bushes.

“We consider this to be a serious offence and I consider Broome to be a very safe place,” he said.

“This was a very distressing incident for everyone, including detectives and the police.

“We like to think everyone is safe going about doing their own businesses while exercising in the mornings.”

Det Sen Sgt Bradshaw believes the offender had been riding a bicycle and has appealed to the public for help in trying to identify him.

“We know there are many people around Cable Beach at this particular time,” he said.

“We have had some witnesses but we need a lot more people to tell us what they have actually seen during the day.

“We know it is a regular routine for people to go there to do their running and their exercises during the day.”

He said the assault was more than likely “opportunistic”.

“We believe he has got there on a bicycle and there is a bench on top of the sand dunes and he has seen her before and he has come back,” Det Sen Sgt Bradshaw said.

“Broome from what I see is very safe and protected. What we need to do is continue giving that protection to the community so we need the community’s help.”

The man was described as short with a strong build and dark skin. He was aged about 30 and was wearing a grey singlet with black shorts.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Broome detectives on 9194 0200 or Crime Stoppers on 131444.