The Portage la Prairie RCMP is appealing to the public for any information regarding an attempted child abduction involving a 9-year-old girl.

Police say the incident occurred a little after 9 a.m., Tuesday morning in the back lane of a home located on 10th Street NW in Portage la Prairie.

The girl reported that an unknown man had approached her from behind and grabbed her. While doing so, he asked her if she wanted to come home with him. The girl bit the man and managed to free herself. She then ran home and police were called. The girl did not suffer any physical injuries.

Police say the suspect was seen running northbound down the back lane towards Lorne Avenue.

"This is a very concerning incident and the Portage la Prairie RCMP are taking every measure to track down the suspect," says Sgt. Paul Manaigre of the Manitoba RCMP.

"We need anyone who may have seen something or may have information to contact us immediately. We also ask that parents in the Portage la Prairie area to be vigilant and to take this opportunity to speak to their children about what to do if approached by a stranger."

Officers conducted a patrol of the area but did not locate the man. The suspect is described as being a Caucasian male with an average build, approximately 5-foot-3, 40-years-of-age with either blue or green eyes. He has short white hair with a bald spot and a long white beard and was wearing a black-coloured zip-up hoodie with grey sweats and reddish-coloured shoes.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, have any information, or any residence in the area of 10th Street NW that may have video surveillance in the back lane, is asked to contact the Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445.