POLICE are hunting a man who dragged a teenage girl from a bench in a busy seaside resort.

The 16-year-old girl was sitting on a bench at The Esplanade in Redcar between Leo's Bar and the cinema at about 2pm on Wednesday when a man approached her and grabbed her by the arm.

The man pulled her from the bench and dragged her in the direction of the beach.

He grabbed her hair and trousers before the girl managed to pull free and run away.

Police say the area on The Esplanade was busy at the time and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The man is described as white, in his fifties and about 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a black T-shirt. Anyone who has any information is asked to telephone call Redcar police station on (01642) 302626.