Police are warning parents to be vigilant after a young girl was left shocked and distressed after being grabbed by a stranger near Ambleside.

The 12-year-old girl, who was on her way to feed some ponies, was seized from behind by a man on Thursday evening near her home on the outskirts of the town, but managed to escape when the man was disturbed by a noise.

Officer in charge of the case, Detective Superintendent Ray Begley, warned that, until the man was caught, there was "always the possibility" he could strike again.

"Without being alarmist, we would urge parents to be mindful of where their children are and who they are speaking to," he told the Citizen.

Police said the girl, who has not been named, had been left "shocked and distressed" but was uninjured.

DS Begley said that, although the girl had been frightened by the incident, she had been able to provide police with a detailed description of the man.

The man is described as short, wearing a leather jacket with a hood, and black gloves with a white snowdrop pattern on them.

He was wearing dark, shiny trousers and had a pot belly.

He had muscular arms and spoke with a gruff Irish accent.

Police spokesman Mike Head said: "He apparently grabbed the girl and tried to pull her into a nearby wooded area.

A noise was heard which caused the man to release his hold on the girl."

Mr Head urged members of the public to come forward with information.

Anyone who was in the Ambleside area over the last few days who saw anyone fitting the man's description should contact Kendal Police on 01539-722611 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.