POLICE are hunted a man who attempted to abduct an eight-year-old girl in Ramsbottom.

The man, in his 40s, chased the terrified girl through woods near her home in Whittingham Drive.

At one point, he grabbed hold of her T-shirt but she slapped his hand and fled to a nearby home to raise the alarm.

Police have issued a warning to people to be extra vigilant and report any strangers.

A spokesman for Bury police said: "The incident in Ramsbottom is very similar to another attempted abduction, again involving an eight-year-old girl, in Darwen a few days ago.

"Parents should make sure their children do not go out on their own in the evening."

The man is white, with short, dark hair and wearing scruffy denim jeans, brown shoes, a black waist-length coat and a black hat with white stripes on it.

Anyone who can help police can call Bury CID on 0161 856 8150.