A man arrested by police hunting a suspected serial schoolgirl grabber has been released without charge.

The suspect, from Cranbrook, was quizzed earlier over one of the three attempted abductions.

The attacks happened in Hawkhurst and Brabourne Lees in Kent, and in Rye, Sussex.

The arrest concerned the Hawkhurst incident, where a young teenage girl was grabbed as she walked in The Moor in Hawkhurst at about 8.30pm on April 3.

She struggled free and ran to a friend's house.

Det Supt Rob Vinson, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Specially trained officers have been questioning the man throughout yesterday evening and today, and we are confident that this man is not the person responsible for the attempted abduction at Hawkhurst, or the other two incidents in Brabourne Lees and Rye, in Sussex.

"We are still extremely keen to hear from anyone in the community who may be able to help us with our enquiries.

"We still believe all three are linked and welcome any piece of information, no matter how small, that may assist us in bringing the person responsible to justice.

"We understand that parents and guardians will be worried, particularly with the school holidays.

"I would advise them to remain vigilant and ensure your children are supervised and well-versed in the potential risks associated in talking to strangers.

"We would like to thank members of the public and media for their assistance in this investigation so far," he added.