Police officers have released an artists' impression of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident, which occurred at the girl's home last Tuesday, February 9, at around 4.30pm.

And they have appealed to all van drivers who may have been in the area to come forward after the suspect was linked with a white van.

The attacker persistently knocked at the door until the girl answered and, after claiming he had called to fix the boiler, he persuaded her to let him in.

Once inside, the man assaulted her and left the house through the front door. The girl was not hurt but was in a distressed state.

Earlier in the day another young girl had been approached by a man matching the description of the attacker.

He followed her along St James Road and asked her to stand in a doorway so that he could take her picture to judge the height of the door.

The girl refused and said she had to get home and the man walked off in the direction of Welsh Road West.

The man is believed to have been driving a mud spattered white van which had flaking paint on the bottom of the passenger door revealing silver underneath.

The investigation team has been studying CCTV footage which has revealed a number of white vans in the vicinity on Tuesday, and they would like to hear from anyone who was driving one or who saw one and has any information about it or its driver.

Det Insp Pete Hill, who is leading the investigation, said: "We know that there were a number of white vans in the vicinity on Tuesday evening and we would like to hear from any of the drivers so that we can eliminate them from our inquiries.

"There is a builder's yard nearby, and it could be that some of the vans went in there or were visiting Southam for quite legitimate reasons and had nothing to do with this incident."

The attacker is described as having tanned skin, with dark circles under his eyes and at the side of his eyes and wrinkles on his forehead.

He appeared to be in his mid to late 30s and is around 5ft 10ins tall, of a chunky build, with black, spiky hair, which was greying at the sides and he had sideburns which ended at mid-ear level.

He spoke with a local accent and may have spoken in low tones and at the time was wearing a shiny black jacket, flared blue jeans and hiking boots, laced up to the calf.

Anyone who has CCTV footage recorded in the town between 8am and 8pm on that day is being asked to pass the film on to police immediately.

Insp Patrick Devereux from Stratford Police said: "It's vital we receive as much information as possible no matter how small and insignificant it might seem, and we need it passing on to us as early as possible.

"We're investigating the sexual assault of a young girl in her own home, which was extremely traumatic for the girl and also very distressing for her family.

"We must find this man and we need the public to help us locate him and bring him to justice.

People with information about the incident or those who can help with the investigation should call police on 415761 or email opbretona@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk

Information can also be passed on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.