Niagara police are hoping to track down members of the public who were out on a trail around the same time a young boy was sexually assaulted by a stranger earlier this month.

Officers were called to the area of Ormond St. South and Lyndon St. East around 7:48 p.m. on Sept. 7.

Police say a 12-year-old boy was walking with four friends on a trail in the area of Ormond St. South and Dock Rd. after the group had gone swimming nearby.

A man approached the children and sexually assaulted the 12-year-old boy.

The suspect then left the area on foot.

Police were quickly notified about the incident and the K9 Unit flooded the area but were not able to locate the man.

He is described as being white, between 40 and 50 years of age, with a medium build, grey or black “scruffy” hair, and a “belly.”

He was wearing a grey or black shirt, baggy jeans, and a ball cap.

Detectives have reason to believe there were members of the public or possible witnesses in the area within minutes after the assault happened.

Investigators have released a drone video of where the incident occurred.

Police are asking any businesses or residents in the area with closed-circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras, to review their footage for any suspicious activity between 6:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 7.

Anyone with information that could help police with the investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, ext. 1008430.