POLICE are hunting a man who approached a young girl as she played in a park.

The nine-year-old was in the play area of the Haxby Road park in York when the incident happened at about 5.30pm on Monday.

Officers received a report of a man, in his 50s, behaving suspiciously and are now trying to establish the full circumstances and are appealing for the public’s help.

They would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time, saw anything relating to the incident or know who the man was.

He was described as of Asian descent, around 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall and of medium build. His face was described as square with pockmarked cheeks.

He was wearing a green and white T-shirt – similar to a football shirt – shiny grey trousers and black formal shoes.

Detective Sergeant Matt Wilkinson said: “We are supporting the girl and her family while the investigation is ongoing. We’re working to confirm exactly what happened during this incident and trace people who may be able to help with our enquiries.

“If you saw anything, no matter how trivial it may seem, I’d urge you to call us and share that information.

“There could be an entirely innocent misunderstanding behind this incident, but we need to be certain. We are doing all we can to get to the bottom of it and put minds at rest.

"In the meantime, extra police patrols have been put in place to provide a visible and reassuring presence in the local community while our enquiries continue.”

If the man involved sees or hears the appeal himself, he is urged to come forward to the police as soon as possible to explain the situation.

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for the Serious Crime Team York or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.