A MAN has been cleared of sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl.

Steven Strong, aged 40, of Longcauseway, Farnworth, was on trial at Bolton Crown Court after denying taking a child without lawful authority and sexual assault.

Nicola Gatto, prosecuting, alleged that Strong beckoned the child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, into the house where he had a flat and put his hands down her top and pants and assaulted her.

Strong said he had seen a girl and spoke to her, but denied touching her in any way. Yesterday the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty on both counts.