A MAN arrested by Kent Police on suspicion of attempting to abduct a 10-year-old girl has been bailed pending further enquiries.

The abduction bid happened in Frederick Road, off Canterbury Street, Gillingham, at around 6pm last Friday.

The man, who is in his late 30s and lives locally, was arrested on Monday afternoon.

Patrols in Gillingham have been stepped up following the incident and police have also been carrying out house-to-house enquiries.

In addition, Kent Police have also made schools in the area aware and neighbourhood teams have been issuing advice to parents urging them to remain alert and to speak with their children about "stranger danger".

Police are continuing to examine whether there are any similarities between Friday's incident and one involving a five-year-old girl in nearby Windmill Road, Gillingham, at around 6.45pm on Thursday, June 28.

Anyone who can help with the investigation, or wants to report an incident, is asked to contact police in Medway on 01634 792412.

Det Insp Andy Pritchard said: "We are aware that there would have been many people in the area of Frederick Road last Friday, in particular motorists travelling home from work.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen a man acting suspiciously."