An investigation has been launched into a "suspicious act" in which a man pulled up next to an 11-year-old girl in his car.

The man spoke to the girl in the Blakes Farm Road area of Southwater, near Horsham, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.

The girl fled from the man and ran home. She told her mother what had happened, and the episode was reported to police.

Officers have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Police are investigating a suspicious act that occurred in the area of Blakes Farm Road, Southwater, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday, March 10.

"An 11-year-old girl was walking along the road when a car, a small light blue vehicle similar to a Toyota Aygo, pulled up and the lone male occupant spoke to her. He is described as mixed race, wearing a hooded top and dark leather or similar material gloves with a wrist strap.

"The girl ran off home and told her mother who reported it to police.

"Police are undertaking various enquiries including CCTV and house-to-house enquiries in area.

"The man's motives are not clear, but police are keeping an open mind and seeking to establish the circumstances. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or saw a car matching the description in the area around the time is asked to report online or call 101 quoting serial 851 of 10/03."