Man sought over attempted child abduction at park

Police said the man approached the girl at Bloomsbury Park in Birmingham

A man is being sought over an attempted child abduction at a park, police have said.

A nine-year-old girl was approached by a man at Bloomsbury Park in Nechells, Birmingham, at about 16:30 BST on Saturday.

He then asked whether she wanted an ice cream before taking her hand, West Midlands Police said.

A family member intervened and the suspect – who was described as a white man in his 30s - fled the area.

Officers said the suspect had short blonde hair and was between 5ft 5in (165cm) and 5ft 8in (172cm) tall.

He was of a large build and was wearing a blue t-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms with a blue stripe, police added.

Det Insp Junior Stephens, from Birmingham CID, said it was believed to have been an isolated incident and officers were taking it seriously.

“Since the incident, we have stepped up our patrols in the area as well as reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses,” he added.