The teenager was walking with three friends on the steps between Easther Cr and Forbury Rd about 10.30pm on Sunday, when a male assailant grabbed her from behind.
``Thankfully, she managed to get free,'' a police spokeswoman said.
``She managed to shrug off her jacket and run away.''
The girl did not know the man and was left shaken by the incident, police said.
``Police are looking for the male.
``However, there is no decent description and police are working to identify possible suspects,'' the spokeswoman said.
``No similar incidents have been reported and anyone with any information is asked to call Dunedin Central Police Station.''
The matter was being investigated by Dunedin CIB.
A dog unit was sent to the scene shortly after the incident.
The girl's jacket was located further down the steps, towards Forbury Rd, but no sign of the offender was discovered.
``She was shocked but not injured in anyway,'' the spokeswoman said.
Easther Cr resident Michael Lowe said that she was alerted to the incident when she heard screaming on the street.
``All I could hear was screaming,'' she said.
She tried to assist the girls, but all they wanted to do was to find the attacker and the teen's jacket.
``We asked if the guy had
any other intentions and she said, `No, I don't think so','' she said.
``It was weird.
``This is a very quiet street and things like this don't normally happen.''
Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.
