Wincanton: Police investigating after girl forced into car

Police say a teenage girl was chased by a man before being forced into a car.

Avon and Somerset Police said witnesses reported seeing the girl, believed to be in her mid-to-late teens, being followed by the car near the junction off The Batch and Shadwell Lane in Wincanton, Somerset, at about 22:30 GMT on Tuesday.

The male driver then left the vehicle and chased the girl along Shadwell Lane, before forcing her into the car which was then driven off.

Officers said the car had "multiple people" inside.

The driver is described as white, aged in his early 20s, of medium build and slightly taller than the girl, who is described as about 5ft 5ins in height.

He had light brown hair that fell below his ears, and the car is described as a dark-coloured five-door hatchback.

Insp Rose Green said: "This incident will understandably cause significant concern and a thorough investigation is already well underway to fully establish the circumstances and ensure the girl is safe.

"Officers have been carrying out enquiries in the area today, including reviewing CCTV footage, and we would encourage anyone who witnessed anything or who has any information to come forward."