Witness appeal as girl is grabbed by man in Tenbury Wells

The incident occurred near Burford village hall sometime between 4.30pm and 4.50pm yesterday.

The nine-year-old left her home and made her way along Penlu Road. She then walked on to the car park at the village hall.

The girl crossed the car park and then, as she made her away down the alleyway that leads off the car park onto Stanbrook Road, she saw an unknown man walking towards her.

The man - who is described as being white, around 5ft 10inches tall, bald and as wearing glasses and trainers - walked right up to the girl and then, without warning, grabbed her round the shoulder and started to walk her back along the alleyway in the direction she had come from.

A police spokesman said: "The unknown man walked with the girl for some distance while holding her arm but then, as they reached the end of Penlu Road, he released his grip on the girl.

"Having been let go, a short time later the girl told her parents what had happened while the man was last seen walking away in the direction of Swan Lane.

"Officers investigating this incident are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the man and the girl, or who may know who the man in question is.

"The man was carrying two plastic ‘Nisa' shopping bags when this incident occurred and the girl believes they may have been the sort used by local supermarket ‘Bowketts'.

"The unknown man did not speak to the girl throughout this entire episode.

"Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police officers in CID in Bridgnorth on 0300 333 3000.

"Alternatively, Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111."