Detectives are continuing their investigation into the assault of a 12-year-old girl after a man grabbed her in broad daylight.

A man grabbed the girl by the arm as she was walking along a footpath at the rear of Inverkip Drive, Dykehead in Shotts between 8.45am and 9am yesterday.

The girl kicked the man and managed to get away.

Then the suspect ran off in the direction of Dyfrig Street.

The girl was uninjured but was left badly shaken by the encounter.

Police have since been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and gathering CCTV footage in a bid to gather more information on the incident.

Extra officers have also been sent on patrol in the area to reassure people living in the local area.

The man is described as white, between 18 and 23-years-old, around 5 ft 7 inches in height, with a slim build.

He was wearing a black jacket and black trousers, possibly jogging trousers, and a black beanie hat.

Detective Inspector Kenny Dalrymple said: "It’s imperative we locate this man and I am appealing to people in the local community to consider if they heard or saw something yesterday morning.

"At that time of the morning, people may have been getting ready to go out, perhaps to buy newspapers, take children to school or make their way to work, so you may have noticed something unusual or you may have seen the suspect running off.

"If you have any information, please do contact us and pass it on. 

“I’m aware that this matter will be of concern to local people and I would like to reassure everyone that additional police officers will be on patrol in the area and anyone with any concerns can speak to these officers.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detectives at Wishaw Police Office via 101 quoting incident number 1109/26.

Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.