A BEARDED man is being sought by police after a young girl was grabbed in the street earlier this morning.

The 10-year-old was walking in Norcot Road, Tilehurst when the man, thought to be in his sixties, approached her.

He then grabbed her by the arm but she was able to escape without serious injury and raise the alarm.

Police are on patrol in the area today offering assurance to residents.

The man is described as white, of a slim build and had a white beard.

He was wearing a cap and a ripped black jacket at the time of the assault which was around 8.45am today.

Detective Sergeant Carl Bradford, from Force Crime Team at Reading police station, said: "This is a concerning incident during a busy time of the day.

"CID are investigating the matter and if anyone has any information about this, please contact police via the 101 number.

"There are reassurance patrols in the area and if anyone has any concerns that they wish to discuss, please speak to the local Neighbourhood Policing Team."

If you have any information about the incident please call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101.