POLICE are appealing for help after an incident in which a teenage girl was threatened with a knife.

The incident happened at about 10.30am on Thursday, as the 17-year-old walked across the Stray, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, from the district hospital towards Wetherby Road.

She was approached by a man who took hold of her arm and told her he had a knife, although this was not seen by the victim.

The man led her to the middle of the Stray, between Oatlands Drive and Wetherby Road, about 300 yards from the travelling fair.

He told her to sit on the grass, then made off and left her there.

The man was Asian or Indian, about 20, 6ft 2in, slim and wore a black baseball cap, black top and cream trousers.

The victim had long, blonde hair and wore a cream jacket.

She was texting on her mobile phone before the incident.

Detective Constable Sarah Lynch said: "This is a most unusual incident, to the point of being bizarre. However, it was terrifying for the victim, who is still extremely traumatised by what took place.

"We are treating the matter very seriously and I need to trace witnesses. This was broad daylight on a Thursday morning and the man concerned is very distinctive.

"If anyone saw what took place, has any information about the identity of the man or saw the victim either before the incident or as she was left sitting on the Stray, I need them to contact me."

The contact number is (01423) 539456.