Man tries to grab schoolgirl at bus stop

A schoolgirl at a bus stop in Rochdale managed to pull away from a man in a car who tried to grab her.

At about 8.00pm on Wednesday 1 May 2013, the 13-year-old girl was waiting for a bus on Edenfield Road in Norden when a man stopped his car, reached from the driver's seat and grabbed her hand. He demanded that she get in the car.

The girl managed to pull away. Officers believe that two passers-by were nearby and possibly deterred the offender.

The man is described as being white, skinny and wearing a cap. A fringe was visible from under the cap. He had a wispy moustache. He was driving a bright blue 4x4 with a spare wheel on the back door.

Detective Sergeant Simon Aston said: "Specially trained officers have been dealing with the victim and her family, who are understandably left shaken up by what has happened.

"This is an isolated incident and I can assure the public that we are doing all we can to find the man responsible.

"As part of this investigation, I would like to appeal to the two passers-by whose presence may well have deterred the offender."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8432 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.