E-fit After Attempted Abduction

Police are issuing an e-fit image, after a man tried to abduct a schoolgirl in Southampton.

It happened on Friday (23rd September), when a man in a black car pulled up next to an 11-year-old girl walking to a bus stop and asked her to get into his car.

The man is described as white, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, in his late 40s, being of big build, and with short, almost shaven ginger hair and a full ginger beard. He had freckles under his eyes and on his cheeks and possibly a scar above on his forehead above his left eye. He was wearing a plain dark, short-sleeve polo top.

The man’s car is described as a black Jaguar or similar, two-door, sporty looking, with sandy-grey leather interior and slightly tinted rear side windows.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Andy Hedley of Southampton’s Priority Crime Team said:  “Police have met with the girl and her family so they could help us produce an e-fit image of the man. We’re grateful to the 11-year-old for her time and co-operation so soon after such a distressing experience.

“Although the girl managed to walk to the bus stop safely last Friday morning, she remains very upset about what happened. Detectives are determined find the man whose actions scared this young girl. We hope the e-fit image can help prompt
information from the public about the suspect’s identity.

“Police carried out road checks in the area and I would like to thank all those motorists and pedestrians who stopped to assist with our investigation. Extra patrols, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries are also continuing in the Bassett area of Southampton. This report is not being linked with any other crimes at this time.

“We're renewing our appeal for anyone who was in or near Bassett Crescent West at around 8am last Friday and saw something that could be connected to this report.

“Detectives are particularly interested in any information about a man driving a white car. This motorist may have spoken to the man in the black car on Friday morning shortly after events involving the 11-year-old girl."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact the Priority Crime Unit at Southampton Central police station on 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call police on 0845 045 45 45. Mini-Com users can call the police
on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.