Police are investigating reports that several men grabbed a 12-year-old girl in St Albans city centre.
The girl was approached in Russell Avenue, behind St Peter's Street, between 6.15pm and 6.30pm yesterday (Wednesday).
It has been reported to police that several males in a blue vehicle got out and grabbed her.
However, a woman intervened and the men left the area.
Inspector Andy Wiseman said there is "no suggestion at this stage" the males were attempting to get the girl into their car.
He said: “I understand that news of this incident will be alarming to the local community. There is no suggestion at this stage that the males were attempting to get the girl into the car and she is safe with her family.
“Officers are working with the girl to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and other enquiries, such as CCTV checks, are on-going.
“If you were the member of the public who intervened please make contact with us as soon as possible by calling the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/41071/19.”
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