A TEENAGE girl was left in a state of shock after being assaulted by a "untidy" looking man in Clifton yesterday.

The 15-year-old girl was walking on a path between Kingsway School and The Clifton pub, police said, when she was approached by the man.

He then grabbed her, but she fought him off before escaping and raising the alarm.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Obviously we need to find this man and so would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Kingsway area at about 10pm yesterday."

The alleged attacker is described as about 50, 5 ft 7 ins tall, with dirty, untidy hair and wearing a long, grey raincoat. He is of heavy build, has a full beard and was wearing brown suede Fila boots.

His overall description is "untidy."

The girl also left her bike at the scene, a ladies Raleigh with the word 'Active' written on a black seat.

It was later found to be stolen and is still missing, so anyone who has seen it is asked to ring the police.

Anyone with information should ring 01904 631321.

Updated: 12:19 Saturday, June 23, 2001