Man Tries To Drag Girl In To His Van

Police in Southampton are investigating after a 12-year-old girl claimed a man in a van had tried to force her into his vehicle.

She told police she was walking along Cuckmere Lane between Redbridge Towers and Redbridge Community School at around 8.25am on Thursday 20th September, when a man in a white van pulled up and tried to grab her. She managed to get away and officers were alerted.

Police have been carrying out house to house enquiries in the area and are appealing for witnesses who may have seen what happened.

Detective Sergeant Keith McKay said:

"We are investigating the incident and trying to establish exactly what happened. There have been no other reports about the van and we believe this was an isolated incident though we'd advise parents and their children to stay alert and report anything suspicious to us. We are treating the incident seriously and a number of officers are working on the case. We are currently speaking with the girl further and trying to trace the van.

"I'm asking for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or saw the van in the area to call Shirley CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers Anonymously on 0800 555 111."