A 3-year-old Hinesville girl was found battered and sexually assaulted Saturday morning in the Frasier Acres neighborhood, according to Hinesville Police Department Chief of Detectives Maj. Thomas Cribbs.

The child reportedly was taken around 2 a.m. from the home where she was staying with a babysitter. Cribbs said an unknown suspect, who likely entered the house through a rear door, took the child to the side of the residence and assaulted her. The child returned to the home screaming and woke the babysitter, who called police.

The girl was hospitalized, treated and released later Sunday, the chief of detectives said.

Authorities said the assailant left blood at the scene when he apparently cut his hand or arm when he broke a window pane to gain entry.

Anyone with information should call HPD at 368-8211or 911.