A teenage girl had to run and hide after she was followed by a stranger.

Police have scaled up patrols in the area around Croydon Road and Demsene Road in Beddington  after the incident on Wednesday, November 27.

The 15-year-old girl got off a bus and walked along Demesne Road from the junction with Croydon Road but realised she was being followed by a man who had been leaning against a wall.

The girl became worried and crossed the road but the man followed.

She crossed the road again only for the man to follow her. She turned into Ferrers Avenue and, before the man could turn the corner, she hid behind a car.

She was close enough to the man to hear him say "where did she go" to himself before he turned around and retraced his steps into Demesne Road. The girl then got up and ran away.

The suspect is of Asian appearance, aged 25 to 30, about 5ft 11in and slim. He wore a black cap, jeans and a black leather jacket He had a local accent.

Police have increased patrols in the area and are encouraging anyone with information to get in touch. If you have any information you can call police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.