Appeal after man attempts to abduct four-year-old

Police have appealed for information after a man attempted to abduct a four-year-old child in Birmingham.

The incident happened at about 11:30 BST on Bristol Road South, in Longbridge.

The man approached the child, who was with a woman, and went to grab their arm, when the woman stopped him, West Midlands Police said.

He then fled towards a nearby McDonalds.

One local school urged parents to be vigilant, as the force reassured the local community the incident was being taken seriously.

Insp Matt Shaw said patrols in the area had been increased and encouraged members of the public to come forward with any concerns.

"We are appealing for anyone who was in the vicinity at the time to speak to us if you haven't already," he said.

"We'd ask everyone in the area to support us by coming forward with any information they may have and to check doorbell cameras or dashcams in their cars, for any footage which may assist our inquiries."

The child was not injured during the incident, the force said, adding that the family was being offered support as officers work to identify the person involved.

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