Man 'tried to force teen girl into his car' as police launch urgent appeal

Police have launched an urgent appeal after a man allegedly attempted to grab a terrified girl in a quiet village and force her into a car.

The incident happened at around 9:45pm on Sunday in Silverstone, Northamptonshire, police say. The teenager was walking her dog when she was approached by a man, wearing a black hoodie and driving a small red car - possibly a Volkswagen - who began calling out to her. After ignoring him, it is claimed he made a grab for her, demanding she got inside.

A walker thankfully rushed to the girl's aid and pushed the man away before he quickly fled the scene in his vehicle. Northamptonshire Police said it wants to hear from the hero who helped keep the youngster safe, and anyone else in the quiet village who may have witnessed what happened.

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The force issued a statement encouraging the man who came to her rescue to make himself known. It read: "Detectives investigating an incident in Silverstone where a teenage girl was approached by a man in a car are appealing for a potential witness to come forward.

"At around 9.45pm on Sunday, July 20, the teenager was walking her dog in Towcester Road, at the junction with Whittlebury Road, when a car slowed down and the occupants called out to her. When she ignored this, a man got out of the car and grabbed her arm, telling her to get in the car.

"She pulled away from him, and an unknown man then ran over to help her, pushing away the man who then left in the car. The suspect is described as a man in a black hoodie, worn with the hood up, in a small red car, which was possibly a Volkswagen.

"Anyone with information about the incident, including the man who came to the victim’s aid, is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. We would also like to hear from anyone with relevant CCTV, smart doorbell or dash-cam footage."

The force went on to say: "Information can also be submitted online at www.northants.police.uk/RO and crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information. Please quote the reference number 25000427339 to help your information reach the right person as quickly as possible."