Police call for vigilance after attempted child abduction

Police are warning members of the public to be on the lookout for a man in a grey or white van who allegedly tried to pull a primary school girl into his van.

The young girl was able to break free and run for safety without being physically harmed.

A police spokesman said: “We’re treating this incident seriously and are actively searching for this man.  This type of incident is rare but obviously it’s of concern.

“We don’t want parents to be unnecessarily alarmed, but it’s important that people are made aware, so they can be vigilant and keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour.

“If anyone believes they have seen a person matching this description please contact us.  I would also add that if anyone sees anyone or a vehicle acting suspiciously please call us so we can take action and make appropriate enquiries.”

This happened around 5.30pm in New Park Road, in the Foxhole area of Paignton.

Police believe that the van drew up alongside the girl and grabbed her arm, telling her to get in the van around

Fortunately the young girl has been able to break free and run to safety.  She was physically unharmed.

The man is described as being white, in his sixties, skinny and having a scruffy appearance. 

It is also possible this man had a Scottish or Irish type accent. 

It is thought the man was unshaved, with a moustache, brown eyes and grey, messy medium length hair.

The hair was brushed back at the front with a small pony tail. He was wearing a blue short-sleeved t-shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference FP/13/3990.  If you know the exact whereabouts of a suspect at the time of the call dial 999 instead.