POLICE are investigating an attempted abduction of a young girl in Southampton.

A 12-year-old girl was walking in Millbrook when she was approached by two men, who grabbed her by the wrists and tried to push her into a car.

Fortunately the young girl was able to kick one of the men and escape their grasp, running away before they could catch her again.

The victim has described the vehicle as a long, black car with tinted windows and silver stripes down the back and side. Both men were white.

The incident happened at the junction of Porlock Road and Cromer Road, on June 15, but details have only now been revealed by police.

Detective Inspector Charlie Rimmer, who is investigating the incident, said: “I would like to reassure the public that we are working hard to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify the two men and the vehicle.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident.

“The girl did the right thing by running away and reporting the incident. I would like to ask parents to remind their children of the stranger danger message and to report any incidents of concern to us.”

Police are urging the public to remain alert but not alarmed, and inform them of any suspicious behaviour.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, quoting Operation TANIN, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.