A man is being sought by police after attempting to abduct a schoolgirl in Addlestone on Friday (June 25).

Surrey Police, investigating the abduction attempt, appealed to the public for help in their search for the man in the wake of the incident, which happened around 4.30pm.

Police said the girl who was targeted in the attempted was alone on the wooded public footpath near to Philip Southcote School in Addlestone Moor.

"The suspect has attempted to grab the girl from over a fence and put his hand over her mouth to keep her quiet.

"Fortunately the girl was able to get out of his grip and the suspect has then fled the scene," a spokesperson described.

Officers responded to the incident shortly after it was reported to them on Friday afternoon but could not locate anyone matching the suspect in the area, despite the use of a dog unit.

Police meanwhile offered a description of the suspect they are now seeking in relation to the incident.

He was described as "a white male, around 20-30 years old, with short light brown hair, tall and of medium build.

"He smelt like cigarette smoke and was wearing a dark green jacket, dark blue denim jeans and Nike trainers with a white sole," police said.

Leading the case is Inspector James Wyatt, who commands the borough police in Runnymede:

"This is an extremely serious incident and something that is deeply disturbing to both the victim and the local community," he said.

"Fortunately this kind of incident is very rare and we have stepped up our patrols in the area to help everyone feel as safe as possible.

"We are currently completing extensive investigations to identify the perpetrator and if you recognise the description or have any relevant information, we would like to hear from you."

If you can help with the investigation, contact Surrey Police on their website, or by dialling 101, and quote PR/45210066905, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.