Police are investigating after a young girl was approached and grabbed by a man in Mount Austin, near Wagga Wagga, early this morning.

About 8.15am (Tuesday 1 September 2015), the 12-year-old girl was walking alone on Bourke Street, when she was approached by a man.

Police have been told that the man ran up to the girl and grabbed her from behind, before another man shouted at him from a distance and he ran away.

The girl ran to a nearby High School and reported the matter to staff, who in turn contacted police from Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, and an investigation commenced.

The man has been described as being in his mid 30s, wearing a black hooded jumper, and light coloured denim jeans.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, including the man who intervened, to come forward.