POLICE are hunting a man who tried to abduct a five-year-old girl as she played alone on open land in Burnley.

Other youngsters playing nearby intervened as the man tried to lead the child from the site sheltered by bushes, behind the Black Bull public house off Marsden Road on Sunday afternoon.

The offender told them he was taking the struggling youngster for a walk with his dog, but fled after the children shouted at him to leave her alone.

Police are viewing the incident as "extremely serious" and wish to hear from anyone who saw anything in the area at around 4.30pm.

The man is described as 40-50 years, with grey hair at the sides and wearing a white or cream top and dark trousers.

He was holding a dog lead and had a small tan and white dog.

CID Sgt Mark Gray, of Burnley police, said: "It is imperative we identify this person as quickly as possible."

He added that the child, who had become separated from an older friend, was unharmed.

Anyone able to help should contact Burnley police on 01282 425001.

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