Police are appealing for witnesses after a man approached a nine-year-old girl as she walked down the street on Thursday.
The girl was walking along Southfield Drive, in Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland, at around 5pm, when she was approached by the man who said: "Are you alright little girl?" He then grabbed her arm causing a small cut.
The girl managed to pull away from the man who then made off towards a silver or grey coloured car.
A spokesperson for Bishop Auckland Police said: "We would like to talk to this man or anyone who may have witnessed what happened.''
The man has been described as a white male, about 5ft6, aged between 30 and 40 years old and of medium build.
He was wearing a black puffer style jacket, blue jeans, training shoes, a black balaclava and fingerless gloves.
Witnesses can contact Bishop Auckland Police on (01388) 603566.
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