A child was "inappropriately approached" by a teenager on a secluded path, police have said.

The girl, who is of primary school age, was playing on a cycle path behind South Queensferry Bowling Club on Friday afternoon when the incident happened.

At around 2pm a teenager, who was standing just off the path, approached her.

The girl was left deeply distressed by his actions and immediately made her way home. She told her parents who contacted police.

The teenager made off on foot and was last seen heading east in the direction of Newhalls Road. He may have been seen by several drivers in the area.

Police in South Queensferry are now trying to trace him and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He is described as white, in his mid teens, around 5ft 4ins tall, of medium build with brown hair that was brushed forward.

He was wearing a royal blue coloured round neck T-shirt, navy jeans and was possibly carrying an old black and blue rucksack.

Detective inspector Julie Marshall, who is based at Fettes Police Station, said: "This is a deeply concerning incident that has caused a great deal of distress to the young victim as well as her family.

"She has shown tremendous courage and has been able to supply us with a very strong description of the suspect and I urge anyone who has relevant information to contact police immediately.

"We understand that he ran off towards Newhalls Road, which is very well used and I'm hopeful that someone may have seen him.

"Our enquiries are ongoing but I can reassure the public that we will use all resources at our disposal to trace this individual as quickly as possible."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.