POLICE have launched an investigation after a 15-year-old girl was assaulted in Chudleigh.
The teenager was walking along Fore Street when she was grabbed from behind by a middle-aged man.
The attacker, said to be heavily under the influence of alcohol, dragged the victim a short distance before she managed to escape and run home where the alarm was raised.
The girl told police that she had been approached from the churchyard area of Fore Street at around 7.30pm last Thursday.
The victim was left unharmed but extremely distressed by the incident.
Dc Paul Manifield at Chudleigh Police Station said: 'House-to-house inquiries have been conducted and the girl has been interviewed. We are certain that this is a genuine case.'
Dc Manifield said that the assault is not being linked to any other incident.
'The male in question was heavily influenced by alcoholic drink and it would appear that this incident is something to do with that,' said Dc Manifield.
The man is described as white, in his 40s, 5ft 10ins tall and slim build.
He has long dark hair and a goatee beard and was wearing a long jacket.