Police have launched an investigation after a 12-year-old girl was chased after by a balaclava-clad man who had got out of a vehicle. 

Officers from Cleveland Police received reports of the common assault incident on Tuesday (August 8) against the girl, who had been walking along Baysdale Road in Thornaby.

The girl was alarmed after a dark vehicle skidded to a halt nearby and a man wearing a balaclava got out of the vehicle and ran after her.

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There was no attempt to grab the girl or speak with her.

The girl ran, and when she looked back the man got back into the vehicle which then drove away.

Police have confirmed that there were two males in the vehicle, both described as wearing dark clothing with their faces covered.

Officers attended the area and the vehicle was not located.

Following the incident, detective sergeant Matt Brophy from Stockton CID, has appealed to members of the public for help.

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He said: “We know that a report like this can be concerning to the local community and so we would like to reassure residents in the area of Thornaby that we are working to identify the men in the vehicle, to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“We have been carrying out enquiries in the local area in regards to CCTV and would appeal to anyone who may have information to contact us.”

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who may have information is asked to contact Stockton CID on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference number 157123.​