A TEENAGE girl walking along Shephards Lane, Coffs Harbour, has suffered a terrifying ordeal after being forced into a car by a man.

The incident happened at about 7pm on Thursday night and investigators from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command, with the assistance of officers from State Crime Command's Sex Crimes Squad and the Child Abuse Squad, have released a computer-generated EFIT image of a man they believe can assist with inquiries.

A 16-year-old girl was walking along Shephards Lane when she was approached by a man who pulled up in a car next to her.

Police have been told that the man forced the girl into the car before driving to Donn Paterson Dr where he took the girl into bushland.

The man has then driven the girl back to Shephards Lane when the girl was left and the man was last seen driving west on Shephards Lane.

Police were alerted and an investigation initiated.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance with tanned skin, a medium/muscular build, and blond hair.

At the time he was wearing a black-coloured bandana, a black long-sleeved shirt and dark-coloured jeans.

Investigators are also seeking assistance to identify the car the man was driving, which has been described as being similar to a black-coloured Holden Commodore sedan.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that could assist inquiries, is urged to contact Coffs Harbour Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.