POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information after a 10-year-old girl was approached by a man in Pucklechurch.

The girl, who lives in the village, was walking along Oak Tree Avenue at about 1.20pm on Tuesday when a man pulled up in a car, got out and approached her.

He took hold of her jacket, but she resisted him and ran off, seeing him get back into the car and drive off.

The man was said to be aged 50-60, with balding, greying brown hair, wearing an old jumper and faded blue jeans. He also wore glasses with clip-on sunglasses. The car was an old red four-door.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who spotted this man in the Pucklechurch area or who recognises the description.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Rachael Hodges said: "We have stepped up uniformed patrols in the village to reassure the community after this very uncommon incident. This girl did exactly the right thing in running home and telling her parents.

"The summer holidays are here and I would ask parents to remind their children of the 'stranger danger' messages – don't talk to or accept lifts or gifts from strangers."

Anyone with any information can contact detectives at Staple Hill Police Station on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.