PARENTS and children are being warned to be on their guard after a 10-year-old girl was grabbed by a man as she walked to school on Thursday.

The incident happened at about 8.50am in Church Hill Centre.

Police believe the man, aged in his late 60s, gave the girl a hug before she continued walking.

A police spokesman said: "We would ask parents, carers and children to be vigilant and to be aware this incident has happened.

"There is a possibility this man lives near to where this incident happened and the police would like to speak to him.

"So we would ask him to come forward."

The man was white and about 5ft 6ins tall.

He was wearing grey trousers, a grey jacket and a blue and white striped top.

Anyone who recognises the description is asked to call Pc Adrian Smith at Redditch north east police sector on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.