Detectives in Bournemouth are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man allegedly tried to grab a nine-year-old girl in the town.
The incident took place at around 4.10pm yesterday, (23 July 2015), when a man allegedly approached the girl at the junction of Mandale Road and Draper Road and attempted to drag her into nearby bushes.
The girl ran away and raised the alarm. She suffered a minor injury to her foot.
The alleged offender is described as white, aged in his 20s, five feet seven inches tall and of skinny build. He has ginger hair and was wearing a black tracksuit with the hood up and a scarf covering his mouth.
Detective Sergeant Dave Colomb, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the alleged incident or saw anything suspicious in the Mandale Road area at around 4pm today to please call me in confidence.
“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw an orange and black motorcycle being ridden in the area. All calls will be treated in strict confidence.
“I would like to reassure residents that incidents like this are extremely rare in Dorset and an investigation is now underway.”
A 35-year-old man from Bournemouth has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 23:285. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
