Police are conducting a series of high visibility patrols after a nine-year-old girl was approached by a man in West Lothian.

The young girl was playing in a park when the man engaged her in conversation before attempting to put his hands on her.

The girl was unharmed during the encounter, but told her parents who then informed local police.

The incident occurred at around 4.15pm on Friday, near to Ambrose Rise in the Dedridge area of Livingston.

Inspector Darren Cook said: "Our inquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what has taken place during the exchange between the girl and the suspect and we will have officers out on patrol in the area to engage with the local community.

"This appears to have been an isolated incident, but we recognise the impact it can have on the public and so we will be providing a visible presence, should anyone wish to come forward and speak to us face to face."

The suspect is described as being of Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi appearance and is believed to be around 18 to 20 years old.

He is thought to be around 5ft 10in with black hair, brown eyes and a clean-shaven complexion.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a light grey hooded top with a navy blue lining on the hood, grey skinny jeans and dirty white-coloured trainers.

Anyone with information relating to the incident has been asked to contact police on 101.