by Sam Lennon

Police are hunting a man who grabbed a terrified 11-year-old girl in the street.

He seized her arms but she managed to free herself and speed off home on her bicycle.

It happened at Brabourne, Ashford, at 8.30pm last Wednesday.

The child was cycling along the pavement on Lees Road towards the junction with Bridge Road when she notice a car pass and stop ahead of her.

A man got out of the car and grabbed her as she cycled passed him.

Police are now looking for a man described as white, aged at least 20, with a bald or shaven head.

His appearance was scruffy and he was wearing a navy top and jeans with holes.

His car is described as dark in colour, possibly black or blue, with four doors and a sloped back with a boot. The driver's seat was damaged.

Det Insp Angie Hobbs said: "Thankfully the girl was not harmed but has been shaken by the experience.

"This is a very unusual incident and I would urge anyone who thinks they may have seen anything to contact police.

"We are following a number of lines of inquiry.

"As it is the Easter holidays and evenings are lighter I would also urge parents to remind their children how to keep safe and what to do if they are approached by a stranger."

Anyone with information about this incident should contact police on 01622 690 690 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.