Police are investigating after a 16-year-old girl said a stranger hugged her and tried to kiss her near a Stoney Creek park early Tuesday.

The girl was walking alone around Cline Park, at 60 Pinewoods Dr., just after 7 a.m. when she was accosted, police say.

The unknown man hugged her and then tried to kiss her, police said in a press release.

"Police would like to alert the community, students and parents of this incident and to take the opportunity to encourage everyone to remain alert and aware of their surroundings."

If possible, students should walk in pairs of with an adult. Police also remind students to report any suspicious activity to a responsible adult, parent or guardian, school staff and police.

Police don't have any other information about the suspect.

Anyone with information about the encounter is asked to contact police or to offer tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.