Girl, 12, snatched and carried into woodland before fighting her way free

Detectives have released CCTV footage after a schoolgirl was snatched and bundled into woodland in Leeds.

Police said the 12-year-old was walking along Old Run Road, Hunslet, at about 9.15am on April 23 as she made her way to school when she was approached by a man near to the M621 flyover.

He grabbed her around the waist and picked her up and carried her across the road towards a secluded wooded area behind an electricity substation.

He ran off after the girl fought back as the man was disturbed by a woman passer-by who contacted the police.

He was described as white, medium height and build, with short dark hair and a beard.

Police say he was wearing a blue hoodie, black t-shirt and beige trousers with black stripes down each leg.

Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds CID, said: “The circumstances of this incident are clearly very disturbing and we urgently need to identify the man shown in these images.

“The woman who intervened was able to film him on her phone as he ran off across a nearby park off Moor Road and we also have CCTV footage of him in the area which we are releasing.

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“We believe the man is quite identifiable from these images and we would like to hear from anyone who recognises him or who has seen him in the area.

“The victim and her family have been left shocked and upset by what happened and we are continuing to support them as we progress the investigation.

“We recognise the understandable concern that an incident such as this will be causing in the community and we are continuing to work closely with our colleagues in the local neighbourhood policing team to reassure people.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13190207155 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.