'Mad professor' tried to lure Bexhill girl into car (From The Argus)

'Mad professor' tried to lure Bexhill girl into car

2:40pm Monday 24th September 2012 in News

A man with a “wrinkly” face who had the appearance of a “mad professor” drove slowly near a girl, beckoning her towards him.

The incident happened in Hastings Road, Bexhill, on Saturday at about 1.45pm.

The 11-year-old girl was walking north towards Chapel Walk and was near the junction with Penny Lane when she noticed a blue/grey people carrier-type vehicle.

It slowed down and the driver beckoned her. She ran off into Glynde Ascent and the vehicle turned around in Third Avenue and returned towards her, the driver again beckoning to her.

At this point she phoned the police and last saw the vehicle turning around at the traffic lights at the junction with Penland Road and travelling towards Ravenside.

She described the man as white, aged between 50 and 60 and slim with a wrinkly face, spectacles and long, unkempt grey hair. He was also balding, which gave him the appearance of a “mad professor”, according to Sussex Police .

He was wearing a blue checked shirt and light coloured trousers. She thought he may have a mole on his cheek.

Sergeant Dan Russell said: “While this must have been a frightening experience for this young girl, she did exactly the right thing by not approaching the man when he beckoned to her and calling the police.

“He didn't speak to her or make physical contact, but we do want to talk to him to establish the circumstances of what went on. If you saw the vehicle in the area around Saturday lunchtime or indeed recognise it or the driver from another occasion, please call Sussex Police on 101.”