Teenager thwarts abduction attempt in Hove

Police officers want to find a man suspected of trying to abduct a teenager in a Hove street last night (Sunday 18 March).

The man is reported to have approached the 18-year-old woman as she walked towards a bus stop in Sackville Road at about 7.45pm.

He touched her at the junction with Livingstone Street and asked her to go with him.

The woman refused and took refuge in a shop. The man followed her into the shop before leaving and disappearing.

Sussex Police said that the woman was badly shaken but unhurt.

Officers searched the area but found no trace of the man. Inquiries were said to be continuing.

The man was described as being of South Asian origin, 5ft 5in tall, of stocky build and aged in his late twenties.

He was wearing a black short-sleeved polo shirt and black trousers, possibly combat trousers.

Sergeant Jon Hartley said: “This appears to be an isolated incident and we have had no such other reports recently.

“Anyone who was in the Sackville Road area and saw what happened, or who thinks they may recognise this man, is asked to contact us via 101.”