A man who tried to abduct a 16-year-old girl in Mount Claremont is being hunted by the police, ABC News reports.

The teenage girl was jogging along Stephenson Avenue near Challenge Stadium just after 6:00 pm Sunday night when a man suddenly emerged from the bushes and grabbed her from behind.

ABC said the man dragged and sexually assaulted the unnamed girl, who managed to break free and come home to her parents, who in turn called the authorities.

Police rushed on the area but a search proved futile.

WA Inspector Russell August says the attack in broad daylight is alarming.

"I can only stress upon people that if they are going to be out walking, well young girls or young people that they should walk with someone else, have someone with them; it would certainly be safer," he said.

Police called on witnesses to speak up and contact Crime Stoppers. They hope to release a police sketch of the wanted man later today, according to ABC.