While playing ‘hide and seek’ behind a surf club on the New South Wales south coast, a young girl was grabbed on the ankle by an unknown man.
Following the incident on Sunday at Surf Beach, Kiama, NSW Police are appealing for information.
Before running away to warn her parents, the 11-year-old allegedly kicked the man who was in the bushes.
An inquiry has been launched by the Lake Illawarra Police District and investigations are ongoing.
The man who fled to Barney Street on foot is identified as being in his twenties, with short black hair.
He wore a mask on his face, jeans, a black t-shirt, and sunglasses with red tips on his arms.
Anyone who has witnessed the incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers, or who has any further details.