A teenager was indecently assaulted by a stranger in Macclesfield.
The youngster was walking near the Moss Lane end of Congleton Road this morning when she was grabbed from behind.
The offender fled the scene following the incident.
Police arrived shortly afterwards and made a thorough search of the area but there was no trace of the man.
Officers are now trawling through CCTV images, investigating forensics from the area and speaking to local residents in a bid to find the culprit.
The man is described as white, about 6 ft tall, with a shaved head, of slim build and believed to be in his 20s. He was wearing a black hooded top with the hood up and navy blue tracksuit bottoms.
Police are appealing to anyone who has any information, which could assist with the investigation, to come forward.
Sergeant Matt Dutton, of Macclesfield Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: "This is a busy route and, at that time of day, there are likely to have been a lot of people in the local area.
"I would urge anyone who may have seen anything significant or anyone matching the description of the offender around that time to contact us.
"The victim was understandably very upset by what happened. Fortunately she was not injured and is now receiving support from officers and her family.
"We are carrying out a number of enquiries in the local area in a bid to trace the offender and are appealing to local people who may have information, which could assist with our enquiries, to get in touch.
"We take any incidents of this nature extremely seriously.
"Patrols have been stepped up in the area to offer reassurance to local residents and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police immediately.
"If anyone has any issue or concerns they are urged to speak to a local officer."
Anyone with information is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 135 of 24 March.
Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111
