Search for man who allegedly hugged, kissed teen at Melbourne train station

A stranger allegedly "forcefully pulled" a teenager into a hug before moving down her face mask and kissing her at a Melbourne train station.

Police are searching for the unknown man following the alleged sexual assault of the 15-year-old girl at North Melbourne Station about 1.45pm on February 4.

"The man started a conversation with the victim before he grabbed her hand and forcefully pulled her into a hug," police said in a statement.

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"He then pulled her face mask down and kissed her face."

The train arrived and the victim ran down the platform to board a carriage, but the man followed her, police said.

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Police allege he began grabbing the teenager's hand again while attempting to talk to her.

Other commuters intervened and confronted the man who then got off the train at Footscray about 1.54pm.

Detectives have released images of a man they want to speak to about the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.