A 'GORMLESS' man who stopped a schoolgirl and asked her for a hug is being sought by police.

Officers are appealing for witnesses and information about what they describe as "concerning behaviour" at Seamer, near Stokesley.

It occurred close to the duck pond where Stokesley Road meets Holme Lane at around 5.15pm on Wednesday, June 27.

"The man approached the 14-year-old girl, who was wearing her school PE kit, and tried to engage her in conversation before asking her for a hug," a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said.

When the girl refused he questioned her further.

"The girl felt unnerved by his behaviour and wisely walked away. She told her family who reported the matter to the police," said the spokesman.

"Enquiries have so far yet to identify the man involved.

"Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information that could help to locate the man to come forward as soon as possible. They need to speak to him about his behaviour."

The man is described as having a dark skin tone, possibly Indian, aged around 50, about 5ft 10ins tall, chubby build, dark hair that was short and flat on top, stubble on his face and a “gormless” expression.

He was wearing a burgundy-coloured jumper with a light-coloured shirt collar visible underneath, black office-style trousers and black shoes. He was holding a mobile phone with a white flip case and a retractable car key fob.

He spoke broken English.

There was no sign of a vehicle parked on the roadside, which is in a fairly remote location.

If you can assist with the appeal, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference number 12180116003.