Police are hunting a woman in her 30s after she allegedly tried to coax a teenage girl into a car.

A 13-year-old girl was travelling home from school when she was approached by the woman in the Red Lion Square, Hythe, at around 5.40pm on Tuesday, September 27.

The woman is reported to have offered the girl a lift home, and when she refused became insistent that she get into her car.

The woman walked off after a member of the public intervened.

Detective Sgt Dave Cox said: "The victim said she had seen the woman sitting a few rows in front of her on the top deck of the number 10 bus that she’d caught from London Road to Red Lion Square.

"When the victim got off the bus in Red Lion Square and crossed the road to catch a second bus she said the woman followed her to the bus stop and offered her a lift."

Detective Cox said the victim reported that there did not appear to be a car belonging to the woman.

Mr Cox said: "The woman reportedly became insistent when the victim refused her offer of a lift.

"A man waiting at the bus stop then intervened and the woman walked off across the canal bridge. The victim caught the bus safely home."

The woman is described as being white, in her 30s and of a medium build with short, straight blonde hair and thin eyebrows.

She was wearing a beige three-quarter length summer coat and was carrying a handbag with beige bobbles on. She was described as possibly having a Polish or Slovakian accent.

Detective Cox said: "Although she got home safely the victim was understandably distressed by the incident.

'Although she got home safely the victim was understandably distressed by the incident.' - Det Cox

"We are keen to speak to the man waiting at the bus stop as he could have important information for the investigation.

"We would also like to hear from anyone travelling on the number 10 bus which arrived at Red Lion Square at around 5.40pm, or anyone in Red Lion Square at the time who may have witnessed the incident."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime reference SI/ZY/008684/16.

People should report suspicious behaviour by phoning 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress.