A 13-year-old girl was grabbed by a stranger who tried to abduct her on the street.

She managed to escape by screaming until a passing driver stopped, and the man holding her let go.

It happened between 5pm and 6pm on Friday in the Old Town area of Eastbourne, close to East Dean Road and Green Street.

She was reunited with her parents after running to a friend’s house for safety. She was shaken but unharmed.

Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses. The suspect is described as a man in his early 30s of Middle Eastern appearance. He is said to be 5'10", of skinny build, and have stubble.

He was wearing a black hooded jacket and black trousers.

Detectives want to speak to the driver who pulled over to intervene, and anyone else who saw what happened or may have CCTV or dash-cam footage.

The police believe this is an isolated incident, but want to hear from anyone who has been approached in similar circumstances in the Old Town.

Those with information can contact Sussex Police online or by phoning 101, quoting serial 1186 of 08/11.