Police have released images of a red car in relation to an attempted abduction in Sandwell last month, in a bid to trace witnesses.

Officers received a report of an Asian man approaching a 12-year-old girl and attempting to force her into a car in Halfords Lane, Smethwick between 7am – 7.30am on Monday 10 September.

CCTV enquiries led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man on suspicion of abduction a few days later, who was later released on police bail with conditions pending further enquiries.

Officers want to speak to anyone that saw this car acting suspiciously in the Sandwell area on Monday 10 September. DC Sarah Russell, from the West Bromwich Force CID team, said:

“We are asking for the public’s help in relation to this incident. I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and saw a man approaching a schoolgirl to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“Alternatively, I would also be keen to speak to anyone that saw the driver of this red Seat Leon car acting suspiciously in the area.”

Anyone who saw the incident or has information is asked to contact police via their Live Chat facility at west-midlands.police.uk (between 8am and midnight) or by calling 101 anytime.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference 20SW/207829F/18.