A GIRL was allegedly grabbed and assaulted by a drunken man who reeked of port.

The incident is reported to have happened between 6pm and 7pm last Friday near the skate park in Black Path, Polegate.

The 15-year-old was approached by a stranger who was wearing one shoe. He grabbed her arm and back but, as he did so, he was spooked by a passing car. When confronted, he ran away.

Sussex Police were called and rushed to the scene, quickly carrying out a search of the area in an attempt to track down the man. But he could not be found.

The force is now appealing for help in identifying this man as officers make enquiries into the assault.

It is being treated as an isolated incident.

The man is white, about 5ft 7in tall and stocky. He was wearing a dark coloured hoody, only one trainer and was intoxicated, with a distinct smell of port emanating from him.

Police are urging anyone who saw a man matching this description acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the assault, or anyone who may have captured footage on CCTV, doorbell camera or dash cam, to come forward.

Investigating officer, PC Peter Clarke, said: "This was an extremely traumatic incident for the 15-year-old victim to experience, and we are determined to catch the person responsible and get justice for not only the victim but also the local community.

"Despite an emergency response by local Polegate officers, unfortunately the suspect was not located on the evening and all police lines of enquiry are being fully exhausted.

"I am now requesting the help of local residents to check any footage they may have and if you were in the area and saw anything suspicious, please call 101 or report it online, quoting serial 1299 of 19/03."