A fat, bearded, bald man is being hunted by police after attempting to accost a young girl on Christmas Day.

Kent Police today launched an appeal for witnesses to help trace the suspect in the incident in Hythe.

It is reported the 11-year-old girl was out with her parents and running along Prospect Road when she was approached.

The man reportedly tried to stop her from passing and started chasing her before he was challenged by the girl's parents.

The girl, who was running ahead of her parents, was not physically hurt.

The incident happened at 3.30pm on Christmas Day, but police have just released the appeal.

The man, who was holding a glass of beer, was then seen walking towards Seabrook to the roundabout which joins up with the High Street.

Police issued a description of the person they are hoping to track down.

A spokesman said: "The suspect is described as a white man of fat build aged in his 40s with a bald head and a beard. He spoke in a foreign accent and was wearing dark clothing."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or knows who the man is, is asked to contact PC Peter Wilcox on 01843 222289 quoting crime reference ZY/46906/16 or by calling Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.