An urgent manhunt has been initiated by the police to locate a man who seized a schoolgirl by her wrist in broad daylight this week. The incident occurred between 3.20pm and 3.50pm on Monday, December 9, in the Fleming Avenue and Willis Avenue area of Southampton, Hampshire.
It was reported that the stranger approached the girl and followed her before grabbing her by the wrist. Hampshire Police have launched an investigation and are eager to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Fortunately, the quick-thinking girl kicked the man and ran past a moving vehicle before making her way home. She did not sustain any injuries in the distressing incident.
A spokesperson for the force stated: “We are appealing for witnesses following a report a ten-year-old girl was grabbed by a man she did not know in North Baddesley. It was reported the incident took place sometime between 3.20pm and 3.50pm on Monday 9 December in the Fleming Avenue/Willis Avenue area.
“It was reported the man approached the girl in Fleming Avenue and followed her, before grabbing her by the wrist when they were in Willis Avenue,” reports the Mirror.
“She kicked the man and ran away past a moving vehicle, before heading home. The girl was not injured during this incident. An investigation is underway and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen what happened. In particular, we would like to hear from anyone in the moving vehicle that the girl ran past.”
Police are also appealing to any drivers who were in the area at the time and may have captured relevant footage on their dashcams.
