A GIRL is recovering with her family after a man tried to bundle her into the boot of his car as she walked home from school.

The man grabbed the 12-year-old as she walked alone in Hutchinson Way, Radcliffe, at 4.25pm on Tuesday, minutes after she had finished netball practice.

Police say that as she walked past a 4x4 car the driver walked up behind her, grabbed her, and tried to bundle her into his open boot.

The girl, who has not been named, managed to struggle free, despite being punched in the face.

The man, who is believed to be white and aged in his 30s, got back inside the car and drove off.

Detectives today urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

In December, a 12-year-old boy managed to break free and run off unhurt after a man grabbed him and tried to bundle him into a car in Bull Hill Crescent, Radcliffe.