Police hunting man who grabbed schoolgirl, 12, and tried to take her to woods have received 'promising leads'

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Police hunting a man who grabbed a girl, 12, and tried to carry her to a nearby woods have said they received “very promising leads” after sharing footage of the suspect.

The girl was abducted as she walked to school near the M621 in Leeds before being carried to a secluded wooded area last Tuesday morning. She managed to fight the man away from her as he was disturbed by a passer-by who phoned 999.

A spokesman for the force said the video had generated "some very promising leads that are being actively pursued" after the footage was shared earlier on Monday.

Police said the shocking attack happened last Tuesday
West Yorkshire Police

The incident happened at about 9.15am on April 23 in Old Run Road, Hunslet, near the M621 flyover, the force said.

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

"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."

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

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID on 101 quoting crime reference 13190207155.

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