Whitehorse RCMP are seeking the public's help in finding three young men who followed a 14-year-old girl through a wooded area.

Police said today the girl reported one of the three touching her in a sexually inappropriate manner.

Police noted they were notified of the incident at 1:43 p.m. Wednesday.

The girl, a student of Vanier Catholic Secondary School, was taking part in a triathlon event through the school when she got lost and had to search for the trail behind F.H. Collins Secondary School in Riverdale, said Cpl. Grant MacDonald.

It's unclear how she lost the trail.

As she was searching for her way back to it, she asked the trio of young men, all described as being of first nations descent and around 18 years old, for directions.

They then followed her, with one approaching her and touching her inappropriately, RCMP said.

'The young female ordered the individual to stop and fled the scene,' police said in a statement. 'She immediately reported the incident to school officials.'

MacDonald said this appears to be an isolated incident and is the first time he's heard of this happening.

The girl wasn't physically harmed.

All of the young men were wearing black clothes. One is described as overweight, wearing a black ballcap and having a black eye. The teenager who touched the girl is described as having long, greasy hair.

Anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area or has information about the incident is asked to call Whitehorse RCMP at 667-5555 or, to remain anonymous, alert Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

MacDonald encourages those using the trails for running to stay in pairs or groups, remain in well-lit areas on main routes and to be aware of their surroundings.