KENT Police are appealing for information after the attempted abduction of a 12-year-old girl by a man dressed all in black.

The incident occurred at around 8am on Tuesday in Connaught Road, Sittingbourne.

It is reported that the girl was walking to school when a man approached her and asked her to get into a car. He then attempted to grab her but she managed to escape.

The suspect is described as being about 5ft 7in tall. He was wearing black boots, black trousers, a black long sleeved t-shirt, black-fingered gloves, and a black balaclava-style hat.

The vehicle is described as being possibly a four-door, black, with tinted windows and a crack to the rear indicator.

Officers are aware that there would have been many people in the area at the time of the incident, in particular motorists travelling to work.

Det Insp Trevor Lawry said: “I would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident. We are determined to catch this man and have stepped up patrols in the area.

“Officers have been conducting house-to-house enquiries in an effort to locate witnesses and Neighbourhood police officers have also been issuing advice to parents urging them to be vigilant.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police 01795 419182 or Kent Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.