Police appeal after man ‘grabbed schoolgirl, 11, and tried to drag her away’ in Newham

The incident took place on Woolwich Manor Way as the girls walked to school
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A man who approached a pair of schoolgirls and tried to drag one of them away is being sought by police in east London.

The two 11-year-olds were walking along Woolwich Manor Way in Newham at 8.10am on November 19 when the man walked up to them. He was drinking from what is understood to be a bottle of alcohol.

The man grabbed the arm of one of the girls and tried to drag her away, Scotland Yard said.

Her friend refused to let go and pulled her free of the man before they both ran away.

PC Harry Albon, investigating, said: “Although the girls were not physically harmed, they were understandably shaken by this incident.

“At the time the girls were approached there were a number of young people on their way to school who may have seen the victims struggling to get away from the suspect.

“It is important that those people make themselves known to police and share what they saw.”

Scotland Yard is now working to identify the man and ensure that both staff and pupils at the school are supported, and that the male is identified and apprehended without delay.

The suspect is described as a black male, aged around 30, 6ft tall of medium/chubby build with short dark hair and a navy blue knitted hat.

He was wearing a dark grey coat, with black jogging bottoms, black T-shirt and possibly a navy-blue gilet.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 2606/19NOV.

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