A MAN in his 30s grabbed a young 14-year-old girl by the arm and refused to let go during an attack in Shinfield.

Police say the victim was walking along Shinfield Road towards Shinfield Park when the man approached her at 5.45pm on Monday, January 4.

The man, who has a distinctive rectangular patch of hair on his chin, grabbed her and refused to let go.

The schoolgirl managed to free herself and fled to the Shinfield Park shops unharmed.

The offender was 6ft 3ins tall and wearing a black hoody covering most of his face and black woollen gloves.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for information following the assault without injury and hope to trace a man with grey hair wearing a red backpack, believed to be in his 40s, who may have seen the attack.

Investigating officer Police Constable Amelia Sergent said: "We are appealing for information from anyone that may have been in the area at the time who may be able to assist us with our investigation.

"We are particularly interested in speaking with a man with grey hair, about 40 to 50 years-old with a red backpack who we believe may have witnessed this incident."