by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

A Cranbrook man arrested on suspicion of an attempted abduction in Hawkhurst has been released without charge.

The man, who was questioned in relation to the incident on Sunday, April 3, when a man tried to grab a girl as she walked along The Moor, was questioned yesterday evening and today.

The attempted abduction is one of three incidents police are linking.

Det Supt Rob Vinson, from the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate, said: "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."

He reminded parents and carers to be vigilant during the holidays and he also thanked the public for help with the investigation so far.

All three incidents have taken place in the evening and all of the victims have described the man as white, having a beard or stubble and driving a dark blue car. Two of the girls said the man had a 'squashed' nose. Despite variations in the descriptions, officers believe it is the same man.

The first happened in Hawkhurst at about 8.30pm on Sunday, April 3. A teenage girl was walking along The Moor, past the Eight Bells pub, when she heard a car pull up behind her. She saw a man get out of the car and she was then grabbed from behind but struggled and the man let her go. She ran to a friend's house while the car left in the direction of Hawkhurst crossroads.

She described the man as white, between 40 and 50, around 5ft 9ins, overweight, with a beard and shaved head. He was wearing a checked blue shirt and dark jeans with holes in the knees. The car is described as dark, medium-sized, possibly with four doors. There was a large black and tan dog in the back, possibly a german shepherd or similar breed.

The second incident happened in Brabourne Lees, Ashford, on April 6, when a man grabbed another girl, but she pulled away and he let her go. She described him as white, in his 20s, smelling of cigarettes and scruffy, with a squashed nose, shaved or bald head, and wearing a navy blue t-shirt and messy jeans with holes and paint on them. His car is also described as an old-style Astra and dark with a tatty interior.

Another incident happened in Rye, Sussex on Thursday, March 31, when a 14-year-old girl was approached by a man in a dark blue car. She was grabbed by her shoulders but managed to break free.

She described the man as white, between 20 and 30, of large build and with a beard. He had a button nose, was wearing a black leather jacket and baseball cap and was driving a dark coloured car, possibly blue.

If you can help call police on 01622 654867, or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.