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A 14-year-old girl was left shaken after she was allegedly grabbed by a man while walking near a Surrey school Wednesday morning.

RCMP said the teen, who was on her way to school when she was grabbed by an unknown man in his 30s on a foot path near Earl Marriott Secondary at about 7:50 a.m. The victim managed to free herself from the suspect and run to the school.

Officers were immediately sent to the area but the suspect fled prior to police arriving and has not been found.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, 5’9″ to 5′ 10″ tall with a medium build and was wearing a light green t-shirt, dirty blue jeans and work boots.

The teen was not physically injured but was upset by the incident. The Surrey School District has sent a letter home to notify parents of this incident and remind students of some general safety tips.

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While the investigation is in its early stages, Surrey RCMP reminds students who are walking to school to follow a few steps to keep safe. They include:

Don’t take short cuts. Use main routes and avoid lanes, forested or secluded areas.

Walk with friends.

Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

Phone home when leaving a friend’s house and say when you will be home.

Trust your instincts and your feelings.

Phone home if you are going to be delayed, or if your plans change

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Surrey RCMP or Crime Stoppers.