A MAN is due to appear before Southampton magistrates today following an attempt to abduct a child.

Police have charged the man after an alleged incident at Friday lunchtime in which a two-year-old was nearly snatched from a pushchair while its mother waited at a bus stop near Bitterne precinct.

Michael Hearn, 53, of Vanguard Road, Townhill Park, is charged with attempted child abduction and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was remanded in police custody ahead of his appearance at Southampton Magistrates' Court today.

Bitterne police are still urging anyone who saw the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545.