KENT Police have issued a warning after a man attempted to abduct a 16-year-old girl who was sitting on a bench.

The girl was with two friends when the man approached them. The three tried to walk off but the man then grabbed one of them and tried to pull her away.

She struggled free and the suspect briskly walked off. The incident happened in Sittingbourne High Street on Sunday between 4.25pm and 4.45pm.

The man is described as white, aged around 30, 5ft 6in tall with blue eyes and short, light brown hair. He was clean-shaven and had protruding ears. He had a plastic carrier bag in his left hand.

Police officers are also asking anyone who may have seen a man of a similar description talking to girls in nearby Albany Park prior to the incident.

PC Steve Wells said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who can help us with this enquiry. Incidents of this nature are extremely rare and I am keen to see that the suspect is arrested as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact him on 07870 252 208 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.