A man who tried to abduct a girl as she walked home after visiting a friend is being hunted by police.

The nine-year-old was grabbed by the shoulder and dragged by the scruff of her collar on a pathway at Greatham, near Hartlepool.

Police said the girl fought off her attacker and managed to wriggle free before running home.

The man detectives are looking for is aged between 30 and 35 and about 5ft 6ins. He was wearing a dark woolen hat and dark clothing.

The girl has told officers that there may have been a white stripe or emblem on the top the attacker was wearing.

Detective Constable Jim Allen, of Hartlepool CID, last night appealed for witnesses to the incident, which happened at about 7pm on Thursday, to come forward.

He particularly wants to trace the drivers of a silver saloon car and a blue car who may have seen the attack near the village's Church of England Primary School.

The girl was walking from Saltaire Terrace, to her home when the man tried to grab her.

Det Con Allen said: "She was walking along a lane next to the school when she noticed a man walking in the opposite direction near to the swings play area.

"As the girl got to the junction at the bottom of the road, she felt a man place his hand on her shoulder, but she turned around and struggled free and ran off.

"She was shaken but she is okay and is being comforted by her family."

Any witnesses to the incident, or anyone who recognises the description of the man or the cars, is asked to contact Det Con Allen on (01642) 302126.