A teenage girl bravely fought of a man during a terrifying early morning attack.

The 17-year-old girl was walking near St Mary’s Church in Honley when she was followed by a man.

The stranger then pounced and grabbed her before attempting to drag her into an alley.

The teenager fought back and managed to escape his grip. The man then fled.

The victim had been on her way to a friend’s house.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the attack which happened on Monday at 7.50am.

Det Insp Jim Griffiths, of Kirklees CID, said: “A 17-year-old local girl was walking on Green Cliffe, Honley, at 7.50am on Monday when she was followed by a man who approached her and after a short time then grabbed her.

“He tried to drag her into an alley but she fought back and he ran off.”

Det Insp Griffiths said enquiries were on-going and the suspect may have been spotted later on a white mountain bike.

The suspect is described as a white, in his late teens or early 20s.

He was of slight build and 5ft 10in to 6ft tall. He was wearing a black baseball cap.

The attack has shocked parents in the area who took to social media to spread awareness.

Honley High School’s safeguarding officer has been informed of what happened.

The school could not confirm whether the student was a pupil at the school.

Anyone with information should contact Huddersfield CID on 101.