Detectives in Hereford have launched an investigation after an unknown man attempted to kidnap a nine-year-old girl, yesterday evening (Wednesday, August 31st) in the Saxon Gate area of Hereford.

The incident is believed to have taken place between 8pm and approximately 8.15pm on Wednesday night, near to Saddlestone Circle in Saxon Gate, Hereford.

A scene-guard currently remains in place around Saddlestone Circle.

Detective Inspector Martin Taylor, from the local investigation team in Hereford, is currently leading the investigation and earlier this morning he said: "First and foremost I want to reassure the local community that incidents of this nature are, thankfully, extremely rare and a robust investigation has been launched.

"Although this is understandably concerning, it is currently believed to be an isolated incident and there is not thought to be any threat to the wider community.

"The investigation is in its infancy and my officers are working hard to establish the full circumstances of this incident. We have received a report that the victim, a nine-year-old girl, was walking along Saddlestone Circle when she was approached from behind by a man. The girl managed to escape unharmed and speak to her mother on her mobile telephone.

"It is thought the man, along with another man, left the scene in the direction of Ross Road in a van. It is thought that the van had been previously parked near the junction with Orchard Avenue."

The police are keen to speak to two men, one of whom is described as white, bald and clean shaven. At the time of the incident he was thought to be wearing a T-shirt, a red, white and black checked jacket with blue jeans. This man is believed to be in his thirties.

The second man is believed to be black, with braided hair that fell just below his ears and brown eyes. He is thought to be approximately 6 foot tall and at the time of the incident was described as wearing a white T-shirt, a denim jacket with the sleeves rolled up, dark coloured jeans and brown mountain boots.

DI Martin Taylor continued: "As previously stated, we are conducting a full and thorough investigation and want to reassure the wider community that there will be increased patrols in the area.

"If anyone heard or saw anything we would like to hear from them."

If you have any information that could help the investigation please call police on 101 and quote incident number 768s of Wednesday 31 August.

Alternatively, if you want to give information but don’t want to give your name you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website. Crimestoppers are not part of the police, when you contact them you won’t be identified. The only person who knows you have given information is you.