A MANHUNT is underway in Dudley after a teenage girl was threatened near Russells Hall Hospital.

The incident happened at around 7.30pm on August 17 as the 15-year-old walked along Bushey Fields Road.

The attacker grabbed the girl and threatened her with a bladed instrument but then loosened his grip which allowed her to escape and alert passers-by.

Police have launched an investigation and are now appealing to anyone who may have been in the area of Bushey Fields Road and Kingswinford Road to come forward.

The suspect is described as a black male with a light complexion. He has short afro styled hair, a thin moustache and is believed to have been wearing a distinctive yellow tracksuit top.

Detective Sergeant Leighton Shingles, from West Midlands Police, said: "This happened around visiting time at the hospital and we understand that the area would have been busy with people.

"The girl managed to scream out which we believe would have been heard by passers-by. The man ran away after she managed to escape and again we want to hear from anyone who saw this man in the distinctive jacket running away from the scene.

"I would like to reassure people that this type of incident is very unusual and fortunately although very shaken the girl was unhurt.

Anyone with information is urged to call Dudley police on 101. Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.