Update: A 30yr old male has been charged with the offence and a number of other offences and was due to appear in court this afternoon.
Police are appealing for a member of the public, who played a key part in preventing a possible child abduction on Monday, to come forward.
The man, who police do not have a description of, intervened in an incident on Acre Road, Middleton around 2.30 pm on Monday when it’s believed a man in a silver coloured vehicle attempted to pull a local 12-year-old girl into a car.
After the unknown man intervened the suspect let go of the girl and returned to his vehicle before driving off.
Police are asking the good samaritan to come forward as a key witness who may have vital information to assist the investigation.
A 30-year-old man from Heckmondwike was promptly arrested by officers yesterday afternoon in an area close to Acre Road, Middleton. He currently remains in police custody where he is also being questioned about other similar incidents that were reported to police yesterday.
Detectives investigating the incident would also like to hear from anyone who may have been approached by a lone male in silver vehicle in recent weeks.
Detective Inspector Mark Waine said:
“The actions of this man were commendable and we believe information he could provide us with would assist the investigation and I would ask him to get in touch.
“We are currently examining the circumstances surrounding other similar incidents that took place yesterday in the Middleton, Ossett and Rothwell areas. As part of that investigation I would ask anyone, particularly lone females, that may have been approached by a male in a silver coloured vehicle during recent weeks to get in touch with us.”
Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team are in the area speaking to residents and offering them reassurance and information following the incidents.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Holbeck CID via 101.
