A schoolgirl was grabbed by a man as she walked through woods.

The stranger – described as bald and chubby with grey sprouting hairs – pounced on the pupil in Faversham.

She was unharmed, but schools have warned youngsters to be alert as police hunt for the man, who is said to be in his 50s or 60s.

The town’s Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School wrote home to parents following the incident last night.

It said: “The pupil is quite safe and unharmed, however we felt you should be made aware of this incident as obviously many of our students live in Faversham whilst the rest walk through the town on their journey to and from school.

“Where possible, we advise students to walk with others, particularly as the evenings are getting darker earlier and to stay in well-lit public areas on the journey home.

“Please could you discuss this matter with your child, reminding them to be vigilant.”