A 32-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after allegedly grabbing a 12-year-old girl near a Worcester high school.

The incident took place near Bishop Perowne CE College on Thursday afternoon.

Police said a man pulled up alongside the girl and grabbed her but a friend managed to free her from his clutches, and they then fled – along with another friend – to a friend's house.

Officers investigating the incident in Merrimans Hill Road have arrested a 32-year-old man, and are now appealing for eyewitnesses.

A police spokesman said: “We are currently investigating an incident that took place at approximately 5.30pm on Thursday evening on Merrimans Hill Road in Worcester.

“A 12-year-old girl was walking along the road with two friends when an unknown man pulled up next to them in his car.

“The man got out of his vehicle and grabbed the victim but her friend managed to free her and they ran away to a nearby friend’s house. All three girls returned home safely and unharmed.

“A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this incident and is helping police with their enquiries.”

Officers urge anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously in Merrimans Hill Road at that time to call 101 quoting incident 619s.