POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man impersonating a police officer followed a teenager.

The man followed the girl when she got off the 89 bus at the top of Belmont Hill, Blackheath, at 6pm.

The 15-year-old ran when she realised she was being followed but was chased by the man.

When he caught up with the girl he falsely told her he was an officer from Bexleyheath police.

He said she matched the description of someone who had committed a theft in Bexleyheath and wanted to search her.

The girl became scared and called for help, at which point the man run away.

Officers from Lewisham CID are investigating the incident which happened on November 3.

Detective Constable Bryan Barrow said: “Although the girl was unhurt, this was very frightening for the victim and could have led to a serious assault or sexual offence.

“This case is particularly serious because the man is lying that he is a police officer, a person the public expect to keep them safe.

“The girl has given police officers a good description of the man, and it is hoped people may recognize the image of the E-fit, if they do I would urge them to get in contact.”

Anyone with information should call Lewisham CID on 020 8284 8313 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.