A robber is on the run after attacking a young girl during a burglary in Melbourne’s inner-west last night.

It is believed the offender, described as having an African appearance, entered the Mary Street home in Footscray just after 9pm.

Once inside the home, he was disturbed by a 12-year-old girl, police said in a statement.

She was assaulted by the thug, who then fled on a scooter stolen from the property.

The girl avoided injury.

Investigations are ongoing.