Police Launch Urgent Manhunt After Girl, 12, Abducted On Way To School In Leeds

Detectives have released CCTV and mobile phone footage of the man as part of their appeal.
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Detectives have launched an urgent appeal to trace a man wanted in connection with the abduction a 12-year-old schoolgirl in Leeds last week.

Police have said the man grabbed the victim by the waist, picked her up and carried her across a busy road towards a secluded wooded area before she fought back.

He ran off after the girl, who was on her way to school near the M621 flyover just after 9am last Tuesday, wrestled free and fled to safety. She is being supported by specially-trained officers.

The man, pictured wearing a blue hoody and black t-shirt, was also disturbed by a woman passer-by who contacted the police.

Detectives are hunting a man in connection with the abduction of a 12-year-old girl in Leeds.
Detectives are hunting a man in connection with the abduction of a 12-year-old girl in Leeds.
West Yorkshire Police

West Yorkshire Police said the man was described as white, medium height and build, with short dark hair and a beard. He was wearing beige trousers with black stripes down each leg.

The force has released CCTV of the man as well as mobile phone footage captured by the woman who disturbed him.

Detective Inspector James Entwistle said: “The circumstances of this incident are clearly very disturbing and we urgently need to identify the man shown in these images.

“The woman who intervened was able to film him on her phone as he ran off across a nearby park off Moor Road and we also have CCTV footage of him in the area which we are releasing.”

The view from Old Run Road, Hunslet, where the incident took place, looking towards the M621 flyover.
The view from Old Run Road, Hunslet, where the incident took place, looking towards the M621 flyover.
Google Street View

Det Insp Entwistle added: “We believe the man is quite identifiable from these images and we would like to hear from anyone who recognises him or who has seen him in the area.

“The victim and her family have been left shocked and upset by what happened and we are continuing to support them as we progress the investigation.

“We recognise the understandable concern that an incident such as this will be causing in the community and we are continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the local neighbourhood policing team to reassure people.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13190207155 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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