KENT Police are appealing for witnesses after a 16-year-old girl was assaulted in an alleyway.

The incident happened as the teenager was walking along an alley that runs between Westmount Avenue and Silverhill at Chatham.

Police spokeswoman Tessa Hallett said: "At the end of the alleyway there are some steps. As the girl neared the bottom of the steps she became aware of a man who had caught up with her.

"The man grabbed hold of her elbow with both hands and attempted to pull her into a smaller alleyway. The girl struggled, managed to break free and run out of the alleyway into Silverhill.

"Fortunately she has not been injured but has been left badly shaken and is being looked after by her family."

The incident occurred at around 4.10pm on Tuesday, January 24. The suspect is described as being a dark European man, approximately 5ft 10in tall, medium build and between 25-30 years of age.

He had slight stubble on his chin and was wearing a padded black waistlength jacket made of suede material. He was also wearing dark coloured jeans or trousers.

Just prior to the attack the girl became aware a man was walking in the same direction as her along Westmount Avenue. From his demeanour, she thought that he might have been drinking.

Anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to contact Kent Police in Medway on 01634 884076 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls to Crimestoppers are free, you do not have to leave your name and you could receive a reward.