Police have launched an investigation after a stranger tried to put his arm around a young girl before she kicked him and ran off.

Officers are investigating the suspicious incident in Leigh Road, Hildenborough, near its junction with Tonbridge Road, which happened at around 5pm yesterday.

Kent Police received a report that a child was followed by a man she did not know who tried to put his arm around her. She kicked his leg and then ran away.

The man, who was last seen running towards Tonbridge Road, is described as white, in his 30s, 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, with black, wavy, collar-length hair and a foreign accent.

He was wearing a light-tan leather bomber jacket, black trousers and black shoes.

Chief Inspector Peter Steenhuis said: “We are keen to trace this man and my officers are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

“This is being treated as an isolated incident at this stage and I would urge anybody who saw the man or who recognises his description to contact us.”

Anyone with information that may help is asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference YY/2787/18.

Alternatively, call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.