A concerned mother is warning others to stay alert after her 12 year-old daughter was approached by a man in a car and allegedly touched inappropriately in Shelly Beach.

According to the parent, the incident happened in Jocelyn Street today at around midday.

A man in a grey/silver vehicle stopped and offered the young girl a lift.

Thinking he may be someone from her church, she got into the car and they drove up Prince Street.

The man, described as an older, overweight white male with grey hair, wearing black shorts and a white T-shirt, then allegedly touched her inappropriately and refused to let her out of the vehicle.

Thankfully, the girl managed to escape and ran to safety towards the church.

“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said the mother.

“We are so grateful she got away, but it could have ended very differently. My daughter is traumatised from this incident. Parents, speak to your children and remind them never to get into a car unless you’ve confirmed it’s safe.”

The family is urging the community to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour to the police.