Police today released this CD-fit of a man who tried to abduct a three-year-old girl from a play area.

He followed the girl and her mother into a play area at The Green, Southwick, on Monday morning.

The mother, who lives locally, screamed and struck out at the man after he tried to snatch her daughter.

Detectives leading the hunt for the would-be kidnapper said he has distinctive greying hair on the top and sides of his head.

They are also appealing to four people who were in the park at the time to contact them.

Detective Sergeant Ian Pollard of Hove police said: "We are anxious to hear from a youth who was sitting on a wall.

"We would also like to speak to two elderly men with a bike who were talking on the corner of Southwick Square.

"We need to speak, as well, to an elderly lady who approached the mother after the incident."

The suspect is described as 5ft 9in tall and aged 40 to 45. He wore a light blue jacket, white shirt and black plastic sunglasses.

Anyone with information should contact Hove CID on 0845 6070999.