Women are being warned to take extra care when walking alone along a Bradford street after a teenage girl was groped and kissed by a man who tried to drag her off the pavement.

Police say the indecent assault, which happened in Thornton Road is "very similar" to another incident which took place in the same part of Bradford on November 21.

Detectives believe the offences could have been carried out by the same man and are appealing for the public's help in catching him.

The latest incident, described by police as "worrying", happened as a 17-year-old girl walked along Thornton Road, near its junction with City Road shortly before 6pm on Sunday.

Detective Inspector Noel Devine said: "She was approached by a man who made various indecent suggestions.

"At one point, he grabbed her and she struggled to get loose, but he kept on holding her and groping her and then kissed her on the face. He tried to drag her away off the pavement.

"She managed to hit him and run off and then he has been seen running off towards the Mercedes dealership.

"She was extremely upset and shaken, but not injured."

Det Insp Devine, of Bradford North CID, said the incident was being linked to an offence where a 29-year-old woman was targeted at about 8.45pm on November 21.

He said: "They were very similar incidents, but the latest one seems to have gone further because he grabbed her and tried to drag her. It could be that he is getting a bit more confident or it could be that there were differences in the victims.

"It's a worry that there's a man out there who could pose a risk. We need people's help to try to catch him and we also need ladies to be aware of this man if they are walking alone in that area."

The suspect is described as an Asian male, aged 17 to 19, 5ft 6ins to 5ft 8ins tall, slim build with short black hair, spiky on top. He wore dark jeans, white trainers and a dark long-sleeved top.

Anyone with information should call Bradford North CID on (01274) 376366.