Yellowknife have launched an investigation after a girl in her early teens was allegedly offered a ride home by an unknown man Friday afternoon.

A 14-year-old girl was walking "near St. Joseph's Park, west bound on Finlayson Drive between Range Lake Road and Dagenais Drive," on Friday, April 12, when a man in his 40s driving a red van approached the girl and offered her a ride in the vehicle, according a report received by Mounties.

Police say the girl did not interact physically or verbally with the male, adding she was able to walk to safety following the encounter.

"At this time," say the male driver is described as having "tanned" skin, with black hair. He's estimated to be in his 40s, state police.

Anyone who may have spotted the person or vehicle matching the descriptions between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. in the area yesterday is asked to contact Yellowknife  at 867-669-1111.

Mounties say they're beefing up their presence in the area of the alleged encounter, conducting "additional patrols" to ensure public safety.

Police are reminding parents and guardians to educate their children on the "dangers of speaking to strangers," and the importance of immediately reporting suspicious encounters to authorities.

Updates to follow.