Man grabs girls by canal

8:57am Saturday 5th July 2008

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man approached and grabbed two girls in Taunton.

The incident happened as three 12-year-old girls from Heathfield Community School walked over the swingbridge at Bathpool by the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal between 9am and 9.30am yesterday.

They were approached by a man dressed all in black who asked to take their photos before he grabbed the arms of two of the girls.

The girls then ran off, uninjured.

Police are particularly keen to speak to a woman dog walker who was on the other side of the canal and shouted at the man to clear off and leave the girls alone.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or might recognise the offender involved.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.