POLICE are searching for witnesses after a man approached a 15 year-old girl, spread his arms and 'asked her to come to him'.

Dorset Police say the girl ran off and went to a police station to report the alleged incident, which took place at 3.45pm on Saturday November 16.

A spokesman said: "Officers are investigating a suspicious incident in which a teenage girl was approached by a man, and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward."

The man is described as having tanned or light brown skin, about six feet tall, of large build and aged between 18 and 30 years. He has short black hair and may have some stubble. His eyes are quite close together and of a dark brown colour.

He was wearing a full grey tracksuit with long sleeves and a hood. During the incident the hood was up, but did not fully cover his head.

The incident took place on a footpath off Rolls Bridge Way in Gillingham, north Dorset.

The girl turned and ran back along Rolls Bridge Way and Cemetery Road before going to Gillingham police station.

Police Constable Geraint Graig, of Gillingham police, said: “The man did not follow the girl after she turned away and made her way to Rolls Bridge Way and it is not clear what his intentions were.

“I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and might have seen any suspicious activity or the man described to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190181171. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.