POLICE are appealing for witnesses after the attempted abduction of a teenage girl in Kent.

The 17-year-old girl, who comes from Chatham, was walking towards Luton on North Dane Way, Lordswood, with her boyfriend on Wednesday.

As the couple approached Kingston Crescent he decided to return home and the victim continued walking on her own.

She crossed Lordswood Road and went along a path obscured from the road by trees. She heard someone running behind her and a man held a small knife close to her neck and told her not to scream.

They walked towards the roadside at which point she managed to kick off her sandals and struggle free. She ran towards North Dane Way and stopped a member of public who was driving along the road.

The offender ran away. He is described as in his 40s, 5ft 9in tall with a fat, round face with stubble and a prominent nose. He had short brown/blond hair worn underneath a faded navy baseball cap. He was wearing a dark blue top and black shorts to just above the knee and mirrored sunglasses.

Medway police are appealing for witnesses, specifically:

* Anyone who may have seen the victim and her boyfriend walking along the road, and anyone who may have been following them.

*The victim is described as 5ft 4in tall, slim with long brown hair in a ponytail. She was wearing a coloured bikini top, short white skirt and black sandals.

*Her boyfriend is described as 5ft 10in tall, slim with blond hair. He was wearing shorts but not a top.

* The victim on her own, and anyone who may have been following her

* A cyclist who was not connected with the incident but was in the area at the time and may have vital information He was wearing a white vest top and cream shorts, white trainers, dark sunglasses and a blue and white cap.

* Anyone who may have seen a man fitting the description and out jogging in the area.

Det Insp Janine Chaney said: "Yesterday was one of the hottest days of the year and if anyone was out jogging between 4pm and 4.30pm they may well have come to the attention of others in the area at that time."

Anyone who may have seen something or who may have information in connection with this incident is asked to contact Medway Police on 01634 884203 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.