Appeal over two child abductions

A man abducted a 12-year-old girl and attempted to take a nine-year-old in Birmingham, police have said.

Officers said they were linking two incidents within a day of each other involving a man in a dark green car.

At about 0815 GMT in the city's Erdington area, a 12-year-old girl was pulled into a car by a man. She escaped unharmed shortly after in Nechells.

On Sunday morning in Alum Rock, a driver tried to entice a nine-year-old girl into his car but she ran away.

West Midlands Police said officers were going into local schools to warn youngsters to be careful when walking around on their own.

Extra officers are patrolling the areas and CCTV footage is being examined.

'Offering advice'

The first incident took place in Sutton New Road at the junctions with Edward Road and Station Road in Erdington.

The second took place at 1100 GMT on Sunday in Fillimore Road, Alum Rock.

Both girls have given similar descriptions of the man, saying he was white, in his 30s and wore glasses.

Det Sgt Chris Vyse, of West Midlands Police, said: "Enquiries are ongoing, we have been speaking to local schools in the areas and issuing descriptions of the driver and the vehicle and offering advice to youngsters when out walking.

"We are also examining CCTV in the areas and increasing police patrols to reassure members of the communities concerned."

He urged anyone with information or had heard of similar incidents to contact police.