Kidnap attempt prompts safety warning

POLICE are advising young girls to walk in groups and to avoid shortcuts after a man tried to abduct a 12-year-old girl in broad daylight.

The teenager was walking along Chamber Road towards Manchester Road, Oldham, when a man grabbed her from behind.

He tried to drag the terrified victim into a white van that was parked near by but she struggled free and ran off.

The van was driven off along Manchester Road. The man is described as white, 5ft 7ins, with a shaved head, round face with a big, thin nose and piercing in his left ear.

He was wearing a dark-coloured hooded jacket and black pants. Det Cons Mark Tiffany, from Oldham CID, said: “We have managed to get a good description of the offender and I would like to hear from anyone that recognises the description, or who was in the Chamber Road area to contact me.

“I would like to reassure parents this is being treated as an isolated incident.

“However, we would ask that people, particularly young girls, follow a few simple safety tips such as walking in groups and sticking to well-lit area, avoiding shortcuts.”

Witnesses to the incident which took place at 3.15pm on Thursday, are asked to call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.