POLICE in Alton are appealing for witnesses after a 13-year-old schoolgirl was threatened by a stranger on Monday morning.

According to the girl, she was approached at 8.10am in the alleyway which links Bolle Road and Helens Close (off Whitedown). A man grabbed her collar and spoke briefly to her. She was unhurt and ran to a friend’s house.

She described the man as white, in his 50s and skinny, wearing a black hooded top with the hood pulled up, and black tracksuit bottoms. She said that he smelled of beer.

Investigating officer DC Alex Hall said: “If you think you saw this man, or you know who it could be, then please call us.

“This type of incident is rare in the Alton area and we will be increasing patrols so that parents and pupils can speak to us if they have any concerns.”

If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, call DC Alex Hall on 101 or rimestoppers on 0800 555111.