A MAN touched an 11-year-old girl inappropriately as she bent over to do up her shoelaces.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident in Northiam Road, Eastbourne, close to the junction with Longland Road, on Tuesday at 4pm.

The girl screamed and the man ran from the scene along Longland Road. The child was with two other girls at the time.

The man was white, about 5ft 10in and skinny. He had dark brown shoulder-length greasy hair and stubble and was wearing a grey hoody, blue jeans and black and white trainers.

Detective Constable Dan Thomson said: “The three girls – the victim in particular – were left understandably distressed following this incident.

“It happened in broad daylight in a built-up area of town and it is likely there will have been lots of people in the area at the time. We’re appealing for anyone who saw what happened, or who recognises the description of the suspect, or who has CCTV in the area, to contact us. We will be carrying out increased patrols in the area as enquiries continue.”

Witnesses should call 101.