SHOPPERS in Rubery are being urged by police to think back to Saturday (Aug 17) morning following the attempted kidnap of a 13-year old girl.

The teenager was out shopping with her mother and younger sister at around 10am when a man grabbed her from behind as she paid for some goods in a fruit and vegetable shop in Beverley Road, near Kwik Save.

She managed to escape from the man who was holding onto her and trying to drag her along the road.

He ran off along New Road in the direction of Bristol Road South.

The shocking incident will fuel fears among families who have followed the agonising investigation into the disappearance of ten-year-olds Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells, in Soham.

Detective Inspector Paul Knight of Bromsgrove police said: "This is obviously a very worrying incident and the girl and her family are shocked and distressed by what happened.

"The junction of New Road and Beverley Road is a busy one with a number of bus stops along New Road. Saturday morning at 10am is a very busy time and there would have been plenty of people around who witnessed this."

The white man has been described in his early 20s, around 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build. He had brown hair cut in short crew cut style and he had a spotty complexion and a large nose.

He was wearing a pale blue round-necked t-shirt, black cotton tracksuit trousers and white trainers with three stripes in pale blue on the side of each shoe. He is also described as having small eyes and slight stubble.

"The police always treat reports of this nature very seriously and I would urge anyone who has any details about this offence, or who recognises the description to contact us as a matter of urgency.

"We have spoken at some length with the young girl and our enquiries are continuing," added DI Knight.

Anyone with information can call Bromsgrove police on 01527 584888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

l Sidemoor resident Fred Stanley, of King George Close, was deeply moved by the tragic fate of the two Soham girls and plans to organise a petition urging the government to name and shame paedophiles. He hopes to enlist the help of town Tory MP Julie Kirkbride and will send the signatures to Home Secretary David Blunkett.

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emily.bridgewater@newsquestmidlands.co.uk