KENT Police are appealing for witnesses after a 16-year-old girl was assaulted on a public footpath.

The incident happened as the girl was walking along a path that runs between Concord Avenue and Snodhurst Avenue, Chatham.

A man aged between 20 and 30 grabbed hold of her arm with both hands and pushed her against a fence.

Fortunately the young girl was not injured in the attack but she was left badly shaken and is being looked after by her family.

The incident happened at around 9.50am on Monday, January 9. The suspect is described as being a white man, approximately 5ft 9in tall, medium build.

He had slight stubble on his chin and was wearing a jacket with a front zip. The colour of the jacket is not known.

The man was also wearing dark coloured gloves. His face was partially covered during the attack.

Just before the attack the girl saw a man walking a black and white dog. She also saw a dark coloured car pull up at the end of the footpath which made her attacker run off.

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