Warnings over child snatch bids

The 12-year-old had been dropped off at Highclare School

Police have issued a warning to parents and children after a 12-year-old girl was abducted and an attempt was made to snatch a nine-year-old in Birmingham.

The incidents, within a day of each other and involving different men in dark green cars, are not being linked.

On Sunday in Alum Rock a man, described as Asian, tried to get the nine-year- old girl into his car but she ran away.

The second girl was pulled into a car by a white man as she went to school in Erdington. She escaped unharmed later.

West Midlands Police said officers were warning youngsters to be careful when walking around on their own.

She was very, very courageous Det Ch Insp Ron Winch, West Midlands Police

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

The first incident took place at 1100 GMT on Sunday in Phillimore Road, Alum Rock.

Detectives believe the man, aged in his 30s and wearing glasses, was driving a green Toyota Corolla.

In a statement, the girl's family said she was very frightened as the man exposed himself.

"We think the man involved is mentally ill and should be dealt with.

'Distinctive glasses'

"We wouldn't like it to happen to any other family in the neighbourhood.

"The little girl is alright now but she was very frightened because the man exposed himself to her."

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

Det Ch Insp Ron Winch told BBC News the girl had just been dropped off at Highclare School by her father and went to a nearby shop to buy some sweets.

The offender was about 100 yards away in a green five-door saloon.

He grabbed her and drove for about 30 minutes before pulling in at the Star City entertainment complex in Nechells.

She then managed to escape from the vehicle unharmed.

The man is described as white, in his mid-30s, with brown hair pushed up at the front, skinny and wearing a white V-neck T-shirt and distinctive rectangular-rimmed glasses.

Det Ch Insp Winch said of the 12-year-old: "She was very, very courageous.

"These are two very serious incidents and we are appealing for help from the public to trace the persons responsible."