POLICE are still appealing for witnesses following reports of an attempted abduction of a teenage schoolgirl in Petersfield yesterday.

A teenage girl reported that a man grabbed her arm as she walked along Frenchmans Road, approaching the corner with Station Road, around 8.40am.

The man was a passenger in a small maroon hatchback-style car, which had tinted windows and silver wing mirrors.

The man is described as being skinny with short, dark hair.

The girl pulled away from the man’s clutches unharmed and the car drove off.

Police officers will be carrying out extra patrols to reassure parents and students.

Mark Marande, principal of The Petersfield School, sent a message out to parents warning them about the incident and said students had been given advice on how to get to and from the school safely in light of what has happened earlier today.

He added: “Walk with friends, avoid dark lonely areas, and if you find yourself in any sort of uncomfortable situation, draw as much attention to yourself as you can and leave as quickly as possible to a public place and alert a trusted adult.”

The warning was also issued to parents of children at Herne Junior School.

Mr Marande asked parents and guardians to reiterate this message with their children.

Hampshire Police’s neighbourhood sergeant Philip Shore said: “We take all reports of this nature seriously and understand people’s concerns.

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw a car matching this description acting suspiciously in the area this morning, or who have seen the car since.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to remind parents to ensure children are aware of the usual ‘stranger danger’ safety advice.

“Incidents like this are likely to do the rounds on social media and although spreading the word can help, please contact us in the first instance.”

Anyone with information should call the police on 101, quoting incident number 175, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.