Police probe attempted child abduction in Co Down

DETECTIVES are investigating after an early morning attempt to snatch a young child out walking in Co Down.

A white van pulled up beside the girl at Miller Park in Lawrencetown on Friday at 8.45am.

The male driver grabbed the 8-year-old by the wrist, asking her to get into the van.

She managed to break free and make her way to school.

Police in the area have issued an alert urging the public to be cautious following the incident.

The man is described as being in his 40s, with black stubble on his face, black hair and brown eyes.

He was wearing a black woollen hat and a long sleeved, v-neck top.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident or has information about it to contact them on 0845 600 8000.