A manhunt is continuing after an 11-year-old girl alleged she had been dragged into a wooded area in Ipswich by a man wearing a ski mask who attempted to assault her.

The incident was reported to have happened in an area near Lovetofts Drive on Tuesday evening. It was reported to police at about 6pm that day.

The girl was walking along a footpath near the recreation ground in Bramford Lane when she was approached by the attacker, who took her into the wooded area.

But the victim screamed and the offender ran away from the area in the direction of the A14.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said the youngster did not suffer any physical injuries.

The man police are searching for has been described as white, about 5ft and wearing a black hooded top, jeans and a black ski mask.

He was also wearing plain black Nike trainers.

A cordon was put in place around the area and officers have carried out extensive searches, which have involved local police officers, the police helicopter and dog units.

Enquiries are continuing to establish exactly what happened and officers have been carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact Ipswich CID on 101 quoting crime number IW/14/2232 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.