A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of the attempted abduction of a 16-year-old girl.

Police are seeking witnesses after the teenage girl was approached by a man in a car while walking down Anglesey Avenue, Hailsham, shortly before 6.50pm on Sunday, July 24.

As she reached Goodwin Place, in the Horsebridge area, she became aware of a car described as a purple or silver BMW 3 Series apparently following her, police said.

“As she then turned left into Hempstead Lane the driver shouted at her but other drivers, probably unaware of what was happening, called out to him to move on and the car drove off,” a police spokesman said.

“The girl was unharmed, and police were immediately informed.”

Following enquiries and a search of the area, a 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted abduction and threatening behaviour.

After being interviewed, he was released without charge.

Detective Sergeant Jess Langlands said the incident is being treated as an isolated incident, but police enquiries continue.

“If you were in the Anglesey Avenue area early that Friday evening, and saw anything of what happened, we need to hear from you as soon as possible.

“We know there were other people including drivers nearby, so if you can help please contact us either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1121 of 22/07."