'Terrifying' ordeal for kidnapped girl

Officers at Bury station are looking for a man in his 30s

Detectives are searching for a man who tried to bundle an 11-year-old girl into the boot of his car as she walked home from the shops with her 12-year-old friend.

The attempted snatch happened at 1820 GMT, on Sunday, 30 December, when the girls were walking along Fern Grove in Bury, Greater Manchester.

The youngsters saw a man walk out of the garden of an unoccupied house, and try to remove the parcel shelf from the boot of his car which was parked in the road.

As they walked past, the man grabbed one of the girls and put her in the boot.

I would like to warn parents in the Bury area to be extra vigilant

Bill Gresty, Greater Manchester Police

He then climbed into the car, which had had the engine running, and set off.

As the vehicle moved, the boot of the car sprang open and the girl was able to jump clear and she and her friend ran to a nearby house.

The girl had a bruised back and leg but did not need to be taken to hospital.

The man is described as white, approximately 30 to 40 years old, 5ft 9in, medium build and had no hair. He was wearing a black fleece and jeans.

The car is believed to have been a red hatchback, which the girl remembers as having a bent aerial with tinsel attached.

Severe consequences

Detective Sergeant Bill Gresty of Bury CID said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for both the girls, as one had to watch as her friend was pushed into the boot of the car.

"By chance the boot of the car had failed to close and the girl was able to escape.

"It goes without saying that the consequences of this attack could have been far more severe, which is why I would like to warn parents in the Bury area to be extra vigilant.

"If anyone recognises the description of this man, please get in touch with CID."