A 13-year-old girl was walking along Honeywood Road, Whitfield, at 8.15 am when she was allegedly approached by a man who tried to grab her arm.
She managed to run to safety and report the incident.
The man is described as white, aged around 20 to 25, of slim build, 5ft 6in tall, unshaven and scruffy. He spoke with a 'foreign' accent.
Anyone who recognises the man in the image is asked to contact Detective Constable Gary Stamp on 01227 868271.
