Police have launched an urgent manhunt for a stranger who tried to put a 12-year-old schoolgirl in a headlock.
The shock attack took place along Plessy Road, Blyth, in Northumberland, as the youngster walking in the street after school.
The girl was grabbed and the man tried to wrap his arm around her head but she managed to escape her attacker unharmed, police said.
The incident reportedly took place on September 12 at 3.40pm and left the child shaken. Investigators have now released CCTV footage of the suspect.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: ‘The offender then grabbed the victim and attempted to put her in a headlock before she managed to escape.
‘The girl was left uninjured but shaken by the incident.
‘We have today released an image of a man we wish to speak to as part of our investigation.
‘He was in the area at the time the assault is reported to have taken place and we believe he may be able to assist with our enquiries.
‘We appreciate that the image is not the clearest but hope that someone will recognise the individual.’
The suspect in the CCTV image was seen wearing a white shirt with strips on and jeans.
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police quoting crime reference number 109180L/24.