A 16-YEAR-old schoolgirl was punched in the face by a stranger as she waited for a bus.

Police are appealing for information about the incident, which took place at a bus stop opposite the Royal Hall on Ripon Road in Harrogate.

The victim was approached by a man, believed to be aged about 40, at about 4.50pm on Monday.

The man is described as white, about 5ft 9in tall and bald. He is said to have been wearing a bright green t-shirt with a logo in the middle and khaki shorts.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 and ask for PC 614 Ross Baldwin quoting incident number 12180089142.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.