CCTV search to find Melbourne fireworks sex predator

Detectives are desperately poring over CCTV footage in a bid to identify a predator who sexually assaulted a young girl during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Melbourne.

The child, aged under 13, was with her parents when the assault happened between Federation Square and Flinders Street station in the heart of the city.

9NEWS understands the girl may have been standing on or next to a concrete barrier at the time.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton described it as a “horrendous crime” which happened in public view.

As of this morning, he said police had not yet identified a suspect.

“Obviously it’s something we’re very concerned about,” Dep. Commissioner Patton said.

“We will investigate as fully as we can with a view to apprehend the offender.”

He would not reveal how the girl was assaulted but said the man wasn’t known to the child or her family.

The Sexual Crimes Squad is now investigating.

Overall, 59 people were arrested in Victoria during New Year's Eve celebrations – mostly for drunken antics.

“A few people were locked up – they’ll wake up with sore heads,” Dep. Comm. Patton said.

“But other than that, overall, we probably couldn’t have asked for a better New Year’s Eve in terms of behaviour.”