A frantic search is underway after a 15-year-old girl was reportedly seized by a man while walking through a field near the coast in Portsmouth at 2.38pm on Sunday.

The terrified teen was walking along a footpath when she was allegedly grabbed by the man, who quickly fled the scene when she began to scream.

The suspect is described as a white male, around 5ft 8in tall, believed to be in his mid-30s, with light-coloured short shaven or balding hair. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt, cargo shorts, and riding a silver bicycle.

Police are now appealing for anyone living in the vicinity who may have CCTV or doorbell footage from around the time of the incident to come forward. Local residents have been warned to expect an "increased police presence" in the area.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stated: "We are appealing for witnesses following an incident in Portsmouth.

"Police were called at 2.38pm today (24 August) to a report that a 15-year-old girl walking through a pathway in the field on the south side of Tangier Road was grabbed by a man.

"The girl shouted and the man fled the scene. He was described as white, about 5ft 8in tall, aged approximately in his mid-30s, with light-coloured short shaven/balding hair."

The spokesperson continued: "He was wearing a grey t-shirt, cargo shorts, and riding a silver pushbike.

"There will be an increased police presence in the area while enquiries are carried out to identify this man, so if you have any concerns please speak to our officers.

"If anyone has seen this man or has any information about this incident, please call 101 quoting reference 44250383557".

"We would also ask local residents to check any CCTV or doorbell cameras they have to see if this man is captured in any footage you may have."