A teenager was grabbed from behind by an alleyway in broad daylight during a frightening incident in Claygate.

The 17-year-old was walking out of an alleyway which leads in to Raleigh Drive when a man grabbed her around the waist.

She screamed, pushed him away, and he quickly let go before she ran away to call police.

Officers arrived and searched the scene after the assault on Monday, April 23, at 9am, but could not find the man, who was a bald white man in sunglasses.

Police believe he got in to a silver 4x4 and drove away from the scene.

Detective Constable Kieran Gamble said: “This was a concerning incident where a man attempted to grab a young woman.

“At this stage it is unclear what the motives behind the attack were and we appealing for information from the public to help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“Fortunately the young victim was not injured in any way during the incident but she has understandably been left very shaken by what must have been a terrifying experience.

“The incident took place on a busy road in broad daylight so I feel certain that pedestrians and motorists in Claygate must have seen or heard this offence taking place.”

Call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference EL/12/2641, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.