Man Follows School girl

22 July 2010, 15:42 | Updated: 22 July 2010, 15:44

A warning to parents in Poole, after a man approached and tried to touch a girl as she walked home from school yesterday.

He pulled up in a black van and followed the 14-year-old into woods near Lytchett drive in Broadstone around 3.30pm.

The man ran off when a woman and a young child on their bikes came towards him.

The man is white, with olive or tanned skin, around five feet nine inches tall and of a medium build, with a round stomach. His hair is grey or greying at the sides and back, and he was unshaven at the time of the incident.

He was wearing a dark blue t-shirt, with what appeared to be a white net or mesh top over it, brown knee-length shorts, possibly of a camouflage design, white socks and white trainers.

Detective Constable Vanessa Moyle, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: "The schoolgirl was not injured as a result of this incident, however, as she did not recognise the man, she was extremely distressed.

"I am concerned as to why this man may have approached the girl and I would very much like to hear from him so that I can find out exactly what his motives were.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident, and anyone who saw a man running away from this area yesterday afternoon, as soon as possible.

"In particular, I would urge the female cyclist who seemingly caused the man to run away to contact me urgently."

The local Safer Neighbourhood Team has been conducting high-visibility patrols in the Broadstone area to reassure members of the public.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.