Urgent Manhunt Underway After Schoolgirl "Grabbed" in Yeovil

Yeovil, Somerset - Police have launched an urgent manhunt and issued a warning to parents after a 13-year-old schoolgirl was 'grabbed' by a man while walking to school in Yeovil on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred around 8 AM on October 1st, as the young girl was making her way through a lane between Freedom Avenue and Burroughes Avenue. Authorities report that the suspect grabbed the girl's left arm and pulled.

Fortunately, the quick-thinking student was able to push the individual away and immediately ran to a place of safety. While she managed to escape the encounter, she was unable to provide a description of her assailant, who is believed to be a man.

Avon and Somerset Police are now making an urgent appeal for witnesses and are asking anyone with CCTV footage from the area to come forward. House-to-house and CCTV enquiries are currently being conducted.

Yeovil neighbourhood inspector Roseanna Green stated, "This victim is understandably upset by this incident, but officers are supporting her and her family, who is being offered additional support by other services, including her school".

School leaders have been informed and have communicated the incident to both students and their parents. Inspector Green added, "We would ask people with any concerns or information about this incident to speak to police".

"The incident is now under investigation," she continued. "We would urge anybody who lives in the area to check their CCTV for anything suspicious at the time of the incident, or in the moments before or afterwards".