Vancouver police are investigating a bizarre assault involving a stranger who picked up a woman and tried to carry her away on Monday evening.

Police say a 21-year-old woman was approached by the man on Cambie Street at 10th Avenue, near the Broadway-City Hall Station.

After a brief conversation the man apparently grabbed the woman, picked her up and started carrying her south on Cambie.

The two did not know each other, said police.

The woman yelled and fought back, managing to free herself. She ran to a nearby store and called police.

The area was searched but the suspect was not found.

VPD say they will be looking for surveillance video to try and identify the man.

They have not received any reports of similar incidents.